Award-winning fashion designer Lilly Alfonso has reaffirmed her commitment to continue nurturing young people who are passionate about fashion so that Malawi can produce more skilled and innovative designers.
She said this in Lilongwe on Thursday when she officially opened a new clothing store at Bingu International Convention Centre (Bicc) under her 100-Year Plan.
“As a country, we are growing and making progress. People are now able to buy clothes made in Malawi by Malawians.
“There are designers earning a living through fashion and that is what I want to see going forward. We want a generation of confident, creative and economically empowered designers,” said Alfonso.
Apart from her own designs, the newly launched store, like the other two outlets in the capital, will also stock clothing from designers she is mentoring.
Under her 100-Year Plan, Alfonso aims to empower generations of young designers through skills development, mentorship and access to global platforms.
Alfonso said she is optimistic about the future of fashion in Malawi, especially with many young people now pursuing it as a career. She said this is a positive step for the industry.
“It’s encouraging to see young people embracing fashion,” she said.
Guest of honour Andrea Jester, a medical doctor and fashion enthusiast, said while everyone wants to look good, fashion should be recognised as a tool for societal impact not just for a specific group of people.
He added that initiatives like the 100 Year Plan are crucial and deserve to reach a wider audience.
“It is really important that fashion caters not only to the wealthy, but to everyone. I hope the 100-Year Plan reaches a global audience and shows that fashion can connect and empower people,” said Jester.
One of the designers, Joshua Munkhondia, founder of Living Through Time (LTT), said being part of the 100-Year Plan has helped young designers approach fashion as a serious career.
The Bicc store becomes Alfonso’s third outlet in Lilongwe.
