Vintage Rae — Turning What's considered Trash into Treasure, One Creation at a Time

Vintage Rae — Turning What's considered Trash into Treasure, One Creation at a Time

In a world that's constantly rushing forward, it's rare to find someone who slows down just enough to see beauty in the forgotten, the discarded, and the overlooked. Rae Mugoni—affectionately known as Vintage Rae—is one such visionary. A multi-talented Zimbabwean creative, Rae is an environmentalist by default, a fashion lover by heart, and a sustainability warrior by craft.

Her story begins in the quiet moments of the COVID era. While many of us were navigating uncertainty, Rae found herself at home, idle yet itching for expression. “I was just being playful,” she recalls. “I made matchbox earrings and posted them on my socials—the response was overwhelming.” That one playful act sparked a journey of purpose. What started as fun evolved into a full-blown passion for upcycling, design, and environmental advocacy.

From matchbox earrings to handbags made from 5-litre bottles, Rae's work is proof that creativity knows no limits. When invited to a fashion show themed around sustainability, she thought outside—and inside—the box. “I needed something unique, useful, and also promoting recycling,” she said. That’s how the iconic 5L bottle handbag was born—functional, stylish, and an undeniable conversation starter.

With a background in Creative Art and Design, Rae’s life has always been interwoven with artistry. Growing up surrounded by creatives and fueled by a passion for fashion, her journey into sustainable design felt like a natural merging of hobby and profession. “I find innovative solutions that meet both aesthetic and environmental goals,” she explains. For Rae, every design isn’t just a product—it’s a message. A message that urges us to rethink waste, embrace our heritage, and use fashion as a vehicle for positive change.

One of Rae’s many gifts lies in her ability to fuse traditional Zimbabwean aesthetics with modern fashion trends. She doesn’t just create pieces; she tells stories—blending the old with the new, honoring her roots while shaping the future.

To the budding creatives out there, Rae keeps her advice simple but powerful: “Stay authentic. Start small. Use your creativity to drive positive change.” She is a living testament that you don’t need big budgets or fancy studios to make an impact—you need vision, heart, and the courage to begin.

“Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.” – William Plomer

Rae Mugoni is connecting hearts, cultures, and communities—one upcycled masterpiece at a time.