To motivate models and fashion designers in the local industry, Mzinda Lifestyle Fashion Show has introduced local awards to recognise outstanding players in the sector.
The awards, dubbed Mzinda Lifestyle Fashion Awards, will be introduced during this year’s fashion showcase slated for June 7 at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe.
Now in its third edition, the platform has become one of the growing fashion events in the country which brings together local and international models and fashion designers with a focus on promoting African designs.
Speaking in an interview, the event’s executive producer Chris Daka said the introduction of the awards is part of efforts to expand the platform while recognising individuals contributing to the growth of the fashion industry.
He said since its inception, the platform has focused on uplifting local models and fashion designers by creating opportunities for them to connect and collaborate with international creatives.
“Over the years we have been doing that, but as we are expanding so we thought it wise to start recognising the players to motivate them,” said Daka.
He said unlike other creative sectors such as music which have established award platforms, creatives in the fashion industry are rarely recognised despite their contribution to the creative economy.
Daka said the awards will have 10 categories including Best Fashion Designer, Best Model, Best Emerging Designer, Fashion Icon of the Year, Makeup Artist of the Year and International Model of the Year.
“We want fashionistas to feel appreciated because when people are recognised, it motivates them to do more,” he said.
Apart from the awards, this year’s event will also feature various activities through partnerships with different stakeholders to transform it into a full lifestyle event.
The showcase will feature eight fashion designers and 18 models. Three of the eight designers will come from Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia, while some of the models who will walk on the runway are from Kenya, Tanzania and Eswatini.
The event’s programmes and communications manager Happy Theo Shaba said the platform is already yielding positive results within the fashion industry.
He said since 2024, the initiative has produced professional models who are now securing local gigs. He also said making it is easier for organisations and brands to source models and fashion designers through the platform.
“The growing number of partners, models and designers joining the initiative is proof that the platform is growing into a solid brand that is helping set standards for the country’s fashion industry,” said Shaba.
