Fashion designers have hailed the Creative DNA initiative saying it has presented an opportunity for them to strengthen their creativity, business skills, and collaboration in the local industry.
The initiative which follows a partnership between the British Council and Lily Alfonso’s 100-Year Plan aims to empower emerging fashion entrepreneurs in the country.
During a press briefing in Lilongwe on Friday, lead implementer of the initiative Lily Alfonso said the programme has already begun reshaping her mindset.
“From the few classes that I have attended I have started seeing myself as a creative. Initially I would just do it for the sake of doing so but now I have been challenged to start thinking bigger and be a problem solver at the same time,” she said.
during the presser. | Courtesy of Alfonso
On her part, fashion designer Memory Ngwira said she expects that by the end of the programme she will be able to grow her business.
“I want to be able to grow my brand that I’m competitive enough even on the international market. I hope through this I will be able to market my products as well,” she said.
Ngwira encouraged other aspiring designers to be on the look out for such opportunities and emphasised on how valuable it is for young designers to be part of a community of creatives.
Another participant Joshua Munkhodya, founder of the clothing brand Living Through Time (LTT), said the initiative is helping break silos in the industry.
“There is a lot of ‘I’ than ‘we’ in the fashion industry, but this initiative is already challenging us to work with fellow designers both locally and internationally,” he said.
He added that the programme is essential in helping participants understand finance.
