storytelling

HAUS OF STONE - a Zimbabwean slow-fashion brand developed by Danayi in 2018, is influenced by the fantastical. It is home to the conscious aspirational global wanderer seeking apparel that is understated, experiential & imbued with a hint of mysticism. The brand is driven by the need to use fashion as a vehicle to narrate contemporary Zimbabwean narratives infused with heritage & cultural nuances. The brands 3 pillars are built upon fostering sustainable design practices, visual storytelling & experimentation through handcrafted skills. Community & collaboration is the root of our existence.

All lost wanderers 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 creative expression & commentary on how we engage and experience digital technology in present day society. It explores ideas around migration, movement & our need to escape reality.

The concept around migration continue to evolve due to tech advancements & increased social connectivity platforms which enable us to connect, experience & venture into new/ imagined realms & realities beyond space & time. Society is leaning towards tech and social media to re-connect & live beyond their four walls. Providing us with new possibilities, worlds and opportunities of wander and grander through virtual migration. Enabling us to connect with the outside world within a box.

Closed physical boarders, open virtual worlds.

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 chapter two of a visual narrative derived from Ode to Askana. The Gates of SoE (Seed of Esther) is a mystical realm where godly angelic beings convene. This visual poem explores mythological biblical themes and characters such as Esther & her arch angels. A multidimensional universe were we go to connect with our higher self before we transcend to the next version of ourselves.

This multi-layered poem further explores concepts of transition (death of the old to rebirth), manifesting ones greater self (godly beings), positions of power (gate-keepers), & unknown forces that work in our favor (spirituality/ sacred source/ arch-angels). All these concepts serve as metaphors for the way we connect with our own experiences within this 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

As a cultural spectator & shifter, Danayi's work is often influenced and inspired by popular culture . Mystical, Biblical themes & characters are often at the centre of her visual fashion narratives. Winky D & Gemma Griffiths representation of Adam & Eve in the garden of Eden in their video 'mugarden' caught her attention. The increased social popularity & subject matter of the video & song influenced Danayi to develop this piece of work, which explores the notion of a garden as an extraterrestrial space for creation. It further explores Adam, Eve's & the third entity's enchanting exchange within the mystical garden.

wardrobe
Haus of Stone

concept development | art direction | editing | styling
Danayi Madondo

photography | co-art direction
Masimba Tinashe Madondo

cinematography
Masimba Tinashe Madondo

editing
Danayi Madondo

music
AneUnhu Gwatidzo

starring
Julian, Shamiso, Danayi

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

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

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