Europe-based Malawian fashion designer Mabel Khonje, popularly known as Doll Mabel, on Saturday celebrated her personal and professional journey with a K120 million masquerade-themed party at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.
Doll Mabel’s family and friends attended the private event alongside social media influencers, celebrities and other personalities from the creative industry.
The designer, who is the brains behind an international lingerie fashion line Boudoir by Doll Mabel, said she was grateful to be surrounded by people who have supported her throughout her career and felt the occasion was an opportunity to celebrate with them.
“I do this every year. It is a way of celebrating my life and what I have built. I have always had the support of the people and it encourages me to work hard,” she said.
The designer, who is also former Miss Malawi second princess, said she decided to go all out for the celebration with a K120 million budget because of the work she puts into her career and the milestones she has achieved over the years.
“I have come so far. My career has gone up and down, but people have always been there for me and I have received a lot of support from the people here at home. So, this is a way of celebrating the journey,” she said.
Doll Mabel said networking has also played an important role in the career and helped to establish relationships and create opportunities within and beyond Malawi, adding that the annual celebration has become more than just a party, as it allows her to reconnect with people who have been part of her journey.
Earlier this year, the designer announced plans to host another fashion show showcasing her lingerie collection, with an international artist expected to perform at the event.
The fashion show was initially scheduled for October, but Khonje said it has now been postponed to December although preparations for the event are still ongoing.
In a separate interview, one of the guests and Khonje’s close friend, Manganaye Kambauwa said the celebration was a reflection of the designer’s hard work, resilience and the journey she has taken over the years.
“I am proud of Mabel because I have seen her journey. I have seen the hard work, the challenges and the sacrifices she has made to get where she is today. She deserves this,” she said.
Each guest was provided a mask as they walked into the venue and the celebration featured a three-course dinner as well as violin and piano performance.
Her friends and family showered the designer with gifts as she also celebrated her birthday whose real date was a few days before the private party.
Boudoir by Doll Mabel accessories are available in Germany, the Netherlands, Kenya and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Last year, the designer won the Corporate and Business Professional Most Promising Business Icon Award at the Consumer Choice Awards.
