Vanessa Tarumbidzwa Hodza

Fashion Designer | Knitwear | Menswear | Product Innovation | Cultural Heritage Activism |

Milan, Lombardy, Italy

About

Fashion designer trained at Polimoda with dual qualification in Fashion Design & Fashion Technology. Specialising in Menswear, Knitwear, and Product innovation. My work bridges contemporary fashion, heritage craft, and material research, translating cultural narratives into market-ready products. I have experience across ateliers, design studios, and artisan-led production in Italy and Zimbabwe. My research-driven practice explores identity, cultural legacy, and artisan craft. I bring a positive mindset, strong organisation, and collaborative approach, and seek roles valuing thoughtful, culturally grounded and rich design that is actively pursuing sustainable impact.

Experience

  • Intern at Afro Fashion Association
    Jul 2026 - Present · 5 mos

  • Founder at OHNAV ATELIER
    Jun 2026 - Present · 6 mos

  • Voices Future (7 yrs 4 mos)
    • Product Innovation Specialist
      Apr 2019 - Jul 2026 · 7 yrs 4 mos

      Working with Local Artisans and Brands to bring quality cultural and traditional inspired products to the international market in modern and innovative forms.

    • Innovator
      Apr 2019 - Jul 2026 · 7 yrs 4 mos

      ●​ Develop market-ready products with 30 local artisans, translating traditional craft into luxury home wear goods for international markets. ●​ Lead design innovation, skill diversification, and scalable production strategies.

  • Project Coordinator at Hope Stands
    May 2015 - Jul 2026 · 11 yrs 3 mos

  • Mr Rocca London (4 mos)
    • Fashion Design Intern
      Sep 2024 - Dec 2024 · 4 mos

      Worked in tandem with Creative Director as a design intern for a Project proposal. Making fashion illustrations and research to visually communicate the design concepts for the proposal.

    • Design Internship
      Sep 2024 - Dec 2024 · 4 mos

      ●​ I worked with the Creative Director. Designed proposals with fashion illustrations, technical details and research to visually communicate concepts. ●​ Concept proposals, illustration, technical research.