Fashion designers pushed hard in 2023
The fashion industry in Malawi continues to make steps to claim its space in the multi-billion dollar world fashion industry.
Not there yet, but local players continue to make strides towards achieving their goal.
In 2023, fashion players made sure they were counted.
Though the industry is yet to make a breakthrough, it registered a number of achievements last year. It had a number of players who stood out and left a mark on the fashion world.
House of Xandria
House of Xandria is one of the major names in the fashion circles that made some serious moves in 2023.
It held its annual All Shades of Beautiful fashion show which showcased not only designs by talented designers with physical disabilities, but also gave a rare opportunity to models with disabilities to enjoy the spotlight on the runway.
The opportunity, according to the fashion house founder Xandria, gave an opportunity to up-and-coming designers with disabilities to realise that it is possible to be anything they want to be.
“The All Shades of Beautiful fashion show allowed many designers and models with disabilities to showcase their hidden talent as the fashion industry has not really been open to them in the past,” she said.
House of Xandria also participated in the fashion show organised by fashion guru Lily Alfonso at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe called the Spring Summer Fashion exhibition.
At the event, four prominent fashion designers namely Xandria, Lily Alfonso, Entwan and Mzika fashion exhibited their creations.
Lily Alfonso
Lily Alfonso is a known fashion brand in Malawi and has dressed many high profile people.
In 2023, Alfonso continued with her journey of taking Malawi fashion to the world. Apart from creating fashionable pieces for many people, the brand organised fashion shows which brought business gurus and fashion designers together.
Said Alfonso: “What we are saying is let us give fashion the right perspective so that people can see what fashion can do for the economy of the country. Fashion is business and must be treated and embraced as such.”
Mzika Wear
Mzika wear has been around for a long time and has evolved from creating fashionable pieces expanding it to dressing events through decorations. The brand continues to add a fashion touch to various arts and entertainment events across the country.
Zik Garvey Brand
Fashion designer Zikani Nyirenda of Zik Garvey brand last year represented Malawi at the International Fair for The African Fashion and Textiles (Sita) held in Conakry, Guinea.
Zik Garvey, alongside Beatrice Mabvuto of Scorpii Clothing and Victoria Gaskins of House of stitches, showcased various fashion designs and attended a number of workshops on the fashion business.
