Nigerian designers hail Malawian colleagues

Nigerian designers have hailed Malawi’s couture as “superb creations fit to showcase at any fashion event in the world”.

The two, Ejiro Amos Tafiri and Ibrahim Fadcouture, were part of an exclusive fashion event organised by African Movie Academy Awards (Amaa) and Fashion Malawi Edition (Fame).

Malawi’s celebrated fashion designer Lilly Alfonso stole the show with her designs that saw her receiving standing ovation from the audience.

First to showcase on the glitterati night at Ufulu Gardens was Yavinde Nyasulu who, through her sister, proved why she was voted Fame 2012 winner. Her combined skills in millinery, beading and wire jewellery making were used in full effect as she displayed clothes for women, particularly evening wear, hats and fascinators.

Isaac Bukhu’s Haus of Gola was next with a display of a Malawi’s premier haute couture men’s fashion house. Alfonso finished the local designs showcase with a display of her spectacular designs made of a mixture of two fabrics; tie and dye and silk. The fusion made the creations outstanding.

From Nigeria, Amos Tafiri was the first and her specialty in women wear, especially dresses, were spectacular and so inviting. Fadcouture also mesmerised people with his men’s wear.

In separate interviews, Amos Tafiri and Fadcouture expressed amazement at the level of Malawi’s creations as shown by the designers.

“The country has enormous talent considering that these were just representatives of local designers. There is a lot of creativity that can take them beyond Africa. What the designers need to do is to spread their wings by going into other parts of Africa first before going global. That way, people will know more about them and Malawi,” said Amos Tafiri who has participated at fashion events in South Africa, Ghana, Mauritius and United Kingdom.

She was very happy, particularly because she is among the first Nigerian designers to showcase in Malawi.

Fadcouture agreed, saying: “I appreciate their designs and very typical of what needs to be showcased at international shows. However, they need to network more with their colleagues in different parts of the world for them to learn more. Designing is not easy and nobody is perfect in this industry. We learn each day and that requires more effort.”