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Doll Mabel reminisces about lingerie show

Last Friday, designer-cum-entrepreneur Mabel Banda Khonje hosted an international fashion show at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe under her lingerie line Boudoir by Doll Mabel. It was the first time for Malawi to host an event of such nature and accordingly, it attracted a lot of excitement among fashion and fun enthusiasts. BRIAN ITAI caught up with Khonje who reflects on the milestones of the show. Excerpts: 

Khonje: Hosting events comes at a cost

Q

: How would you describe the lingerie fashion show?

A

: From the concept to the nature as well as lineup of models and artists who performed, the show was different and one of a kind. It is something that Malawi has never experienced before. It has been happening outside Malawi and other countries in Europe, but for Malawi it was the first time. I would happily describe the event as a massive success.

Q

: When you say it was a success, what parameters are you basing on?  

A

: The turnout was good. We got very good feedback which we expected. We also managed to hit the numbers we were looking for. Due to the Covid-19 situation, the hotel had given us specific numbers which we needed not to exceed. In our announcement, we even specified that we had limited tickets and they were all sold-out. And again the announced international artists came and performed. They all delivered outstanding performances. The models were well trained and they also gave an outstanding show as well. We only had three weeks to plan for this event, including bringing the international artists into the country and we managed to do all that with no problems at all. So, if we consider the afore-mentioned facts, the event passed as a success.

Q

: How much did it cost to pull out such an event, including the cost of bringing models from Europe and artists from South Africa?

A

: The total cost has been more than K50 million and that includes flying the artists and models to Malawi [business class], their three-day accommodation while in Malawi and the cost of the venue. Although that might sound as a lot, they always say good things come at a cost and the case is the same with events organisation and hosting. I wanted an event that was going to be attractive on the international market. I wanted lights, smoke, fake snow and a lightning stage. I am very lucky because it all came out the way I had hoped it would. So, if local event planners want to host events they have to know it comes at a cost. It doesn’t come cheap at all.

Q

: What next should people expect from the Boudoir by Doll Mabel closet?

A

: The plan is to be hosting this event at least once a year. We want to make it an annual event. We are looking at it as a platform to empower young women. The event itself aims at boosting women’s confidence and showing women that it is alright to be different and to have a different body type. Next year’s event will include men because Boudoir by Doll Mabel recently launched a men’s underwear/boxers line. Also, as a brand, we hope people can continue to support us. So far the response and support has been good and overwhelming. We are currently supplying and selling to countries like US, UK, Ireland and France. In Africa we have our presence in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania and Mali. Our plan is to be supplying to the whole of Africa and Europe. And from the brand, people should expect more designs, especially on the men’s range.

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