Malawi participates in international fashion expo

Five Malawian fashion players are part of this year’s International Fair for The African Fashion and Textiles (Sita) taking place from November 6 to 11 in Conakry, Guinea.

The participation of the Malawi team has been facilitated by the Department of Arts under the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture.

The Department of Arts said the participation at the fashion expo is part of on-going initiatives to promote Malawian creative products for the export market guided by the Malawi 2063 blueprint.

Secretary for Local Government, Unity and Culture James Chiusiwa said the event offers an opportunity for Malawi to showcase its innovation and potential for the fashion industry.

“This will be an opportunity to highlight the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Malawi expressed through fashion,” he said.

The activities at the ninth edition of the fashion expo include a street parade showcasing country delegations and their African products, training on e-Trade and an awards gala night for African fashion and textile industry.

At the expo, Malawi is being represented by three fashion designers, namely Zikani Nyirenda who trades under Zik Garvey brand, Beatrice Mabvuto of Scorpii Clothing and Victoria Gaskins of House of Stitches.

The entourage also has fashion models such as reigning Miss Malawi Jescar Mponda and male model Keitumile Kawilima. The two models will showcase Malawian fashion brands.

In a separate interview from Conakry yesterday, Kawilima said the platform is an eye-opener.

“The experience has been very educative and challenging in all the right ways. It’s pushing us out of our comfort zone and demand more from ourselves,” he said.

Before the delegation left for Guinea, the Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda held an audience with them.