storytelling

Haus of Stone is a Zimbabwean slow-fashion brand founded by Danayi Madondo in 2018. Inspired by both the fantastical, it creates understated, experiential apparel for the global conscious wanderer. The brand utilizes fashion as a vehicle to narrate contemporary Zimbabwean narratives infused with heritage and cultural nuances. Its three pillars are fostering sustainable design practices rooted in waste reduction & alternative materials, visual storytelling & tactile experimentation through traditional handcraft skills. Community and collaboration are at the core of the brand.

All lost wanderers are welcome.

EXODUS: A Journey to New Worlds

“... more than beautiful wearable pieces of art, but art that plays a part in transcendent experiences, documentation & archive.”

- Danayi Madondo

Exodus: A Journey to New Worlds is a creative expression and commentary on how we engage and experience digital technology in present-day society. It explores the concepts of migration, movement, and our need to escape reality.

Technological advancements and increased social connectivity have led to a new concept of migration. Through virtual platforms, people can connect, experience, and venture into new realms and realities beyond space and time. Society is increasingly using technology and social media to reconnect with the outside world and explore new possibilities. Virtual migration enables us to connect with the outside world without leaving our homes.

Physical borders may be closed, but virtual worlds are open.

SEED OF ESTHER ss20

“... the art of repetition enables me to narrate the same story a multitude of times through various mediums of artistic expression."

- Danayi Madondo

Seed of Esther is the second chapter of a visual narrative that explores mythological biblical themes and characters, such as Esther and her archangels. It is a mystical realm where godly angelic beings convene, and a multidimensional universe where we can connect with our higher selves before transcending to the next version of ourselves.

This multi-layered poem further explores the concepts of transition, manifestation, power, and spirituality, using metaphors to represent the way we connect with our own experiences in the world.

wardrobe
Haus Of Stone

concept development | art direction | styling
Danayi Madondo

photography & co-art direction
Ngonizashe Chinhara

cinematography | editing
Masimba Tinashe Madondo

make-up
Audrey The Make-up Artist

hair
Chiedza Chinhara

music
AneUnhu Gwatidzo

starring
Rosebud, Tariro, Pretence, Sibu, Takunda, Pamela, Julian, Jordan

MUGADHENI MAURIEL: An Interlude to Seed of Esther

“bridging the gap between fantasy and reality by combining visual elements of fantasy with African design subtleties.”

- Danayi Madondo

Danayi, a cultural spectator and shifter, often draws inspiration from popular culture in her work. Her visual fashion narratives often feature mystical biblical themes and characters. She was particularly drawn to Winky D and Gemma Griffiths' representation of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden in their video "mugarden." The video's popularity and subject matter influenced Danayi to develop her own piece of work, which explores the notion of a garden as an extraterrestrial space for creation. It further explores the enchanting exchange between Adam, Eve, and a third entity within the mystical garden.

ODE TO ASKANA ss18

“fashion is an avenue for me to explore a multitude of concepts through visual storytelling & design. I continually reimagine everyday African scenarios & the context in which artisan made goods can exist with the fashion realm and beyond.”

- Danayi Madondo

Ode to Askana – ‘Askana’ meaning ‘girls’ in Shona (Manyika), is a visual poem that speaks to the trials women go through that shape our journey & existence. Dedicated to the girls/ women, as a tribute to their resilience and strength, as well as a celebration of our battle scars. A nod to the powerful women that came before us & gave us a voice so that ‘we’ & the woman that follow can see farther.

The visual narrative centers around our protagonist’s life journey, with the mirror serving as a reflective portal. Reflecting the hopes & desires of the woman as she journeys forward into a new season. A season of transition, healing & overcoming. The visuals were captured at Domboshawa National Monument which is known for being sacred historical land – a place of prayer, spiritual healing & love.

wardrobe
Haus Of Stone

concept development | art direction | styling
Danayi Madondo

photography | co-art direction
Ngonizashe Chinhara

photographers assistant
kuda chakwanda

wardrobe assistant
Julian Tamuka

videography | editing | sound
Masimba Tinashe Madondo

starring
Pretence, Rosebud, Rumbi

intern
Mufudzi Richard Makurundundu

RUNWAY

2024 Africa Creators Festival (Denver, Colorado)

2024 Africa Fashion Forum's FAME Week (Cape-Town, South-Africa)

2023 Canex Creative Africa Nexus (Cairo, Egypt)

2023 Skeyi and Strobo Fabrik Party (Harare, Zimbabwe)

2022 Makanaka Fashion Show (Harare, Zimbabwe)

2021 The Pichani (Bulawayo, Zimbabwe)

2019 GT Bank Fashion Weekend (Lagos, Nigeria)

2018 Mozambique Fashion Week (Maputo, Mozambique)

2014 Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe (Harare, Zimbabwe)

2014 Zimbabwe Fashion Week (Harare, Zimbabwe)

2013 Soweto Fashion Week (Soweto, Gauteng, South-Africa)

COLLECTION FEATURES

2024 DJ Naida X Chengeto Brown - Wandirasa

2023 Rutendo Jackie ft. Vuyo Brown - Ngirozi Visualizer

2023 Gemma Griffiths - Ndichatarisa (Acoustiv Version) Music Video

2022 Gemma Griffiths - A Girl from Harare EP

2021 Gemma Griffiths – A Girl from Harare Documentary

2021 Shingai x Verseless – No Fear (Birthright) Music Video

2021 Tamy Moyo - Sare Music Video

2020 Made by Africa, Watched by the World Netflix Campaign

2019 Gemma Griffiths ft Ammara Brown - Mambokadzi

2019 Tamy moyo – Kwandinobva

2019 Marbel Madondo – Asika Munhu

2019 Shingai – Coming Home