Malawi in fashion extravaganza

Fashion Malawi Edition (Fame) returns for the third year running—pitting a trio of international designers alongside locals.

According to Fame managing director Zilanie Nyundo, the annual fashion gala, sponsored by HTD Motors’ luxury car KIA, rolls back with Kenya’s Peggy ‘O’, Mali’s  Afrofashion, South Africa’s Palse Homme and Tanzania’s Mustafa Hassanali.

Nyundo said top model Naomi Campbell has modelled for Hassanali, the director of Swahili Fashion Week where Fame 2011 winner Clemoh Sato exhibited last year.

“The show’s theme is ‘The power to surprise’ in line with the KIA motto and the stunning array of Malawian and international designers. The luxury SUV KIA is synonymous with style, elegance and glamour in the same way as fashion design,” said Nyundo in a press statement.

Fame, credited with catapulting designer Lilly Alfonso to stardom, seeks to unearth and profile exciting designers in Malawi.

Up for grabs at the gala, slated for next Friday at  Presidential Hotel in Lilongwe, are Fame Designer of the Year’ and ‘Model of the Year’ accolades for local professionals: Misk, Phade, Yavinde and Haus of Gola.

Up-and-coming artists include W, Diva-YN, Tuccie Creations as well Samalani Youth Club students of Area 23 who were selected at last year’s edition to work with designer Rosa Mark.

Afro Fashion is owned by a Mali-based Malawian designer Mehmuna Schumann while Peggy O is excited to showcase and work with the Malawi Association of Designers.

On the other hand, Hassanali and Paledi Segapo of Palse are celebrated designers who recently exhibited at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and South Africa Fashion Week, respectively.

According to the programme, South African clothing line will hold an exclusive preview showing for the ‘Distinguished Gentlemen’ of Lilongwe on Wednesday.

The ultimate gala on December 30 will be brightened by Intensity Dance Company and saxophonist Dan Sibale.

The inaugural Fame show in 2010 styled for maternal health and resulted in the formation of the fashion association.

Last year, it brought former Miss Malawi Faith Chibale to clean up Lilongwe Riverside and co-opted Area 23 Samalani Youth Club.

This year, sponsors include Standard Bank, Dynachem, Universal Industries, Candlex, Spar and Sunbird Hotels.