Trailblazing fashion designer Lily Alfonso has won the prestigious Legacy of Style Award at the She Millionaire Africa Business Awards held in South Africa on Saturday.
The multi-award winning designer won after a nomination and received the Honoree Legacy of Style 2024 award.
Organiasers had already informed her about her work.
A letter dated October 17 2024 cited Alfonso’s pioneering work in shaping the fashion industry in Malawi, especially during its early stages and her fashion career that has allowed her to showcase African designs on international stage.
“It is quite motivating to read about your path as a self-taught fashion designer and the creative force behind your brand. You have successfully negotiated the difficulties of a nation where fashion was still its infancy. Your narrative offers young designers a potent source of motivation,” reads part of the letter.
In an interview yesterday, Alfonso expressed gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the importance of perseverance and vision in achieving success, especially for the local fashion industry.
“It has not been an easy journey, but here we are all thanks to those who believe in the potential of our local industry. I am grateful to She Millionaire for recognising me,” she said.
Alfonso added that it gives her pleasure to see how people appreciate fashion and works done by local designers .
“It is important to create international markets so that our work is cherished outside,” she said.
She Millionaire is a South Africa-based organisation which empowers African women and celebrates their significant strides in their various fields.
It also provides a platform for female business leaders across Africa by offering mentorship, networking opportunities and educational programmes.
A recipient of the International Fashion Designer Award in Cairo, Egypt, Alfonso has had a passion for fashion since she was a child and is the founder of a fashion and design label ‘Lily Alfonso’.
It produces ready to wear clothing under sub-labels LAwomann and LAmann.
Having her designs modelled in fashion shows in London and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, she has established a 100-year plan to educate and encourage young people in fashion and design lessons.
