Vimbai Chapungu

Vimbai is an early-career scholar whose journey seamlessly weaves together the worlds of fashion, beauty and academia. Her multidisciplinary academic background spans Town Planning, Geography, and International Development, focusing on clean energy and cooking. Vimbai’s dedication to her research is evident in her published works and her active participation in professional associations such as the Royal Geographical Society.

In 2019, Vimbai made history as the first Black woman to be crowned Miss London, a title associated with the esteemed Miss England and Miss World organisations. She marked her reign with fervent advocacy for supporting Black communities in her commitment to addressing socioeconomic challenges through an inclusive and justice-oriented lens.

With over seven years of experience as a model, Vimbai has uniquely combined her expertise in research with her career in fashion. She reflects her passion for sustainable development in her recent focus on responsible production and consumption within the beauty and fashion industries. This intersection of interests led her to explore the transformative power of digital platforms in her Master’s thesis, where she examined their role in empowering the Natural Hair Community and recognised their significance in contemporary society.

Vimbai’s academic journey has now culminated in her PhD research at the University of Sheffield in collaboration with the Digital Good Network, where she further investigates the politicised realm of Black hair. Her case study underscores her commitment to understanding and addressing the cultural, environmental, and societal impacts of digital platforms on marginalised communities. Through her work, Vimbai continues to champion the values of the Stuart Hall Foundation, emphasising the importance of inclusivity, sustainability, and social justice in all her endeavours.