Trio defies odds to join fashion business
In recent years, Malawi has produced some talented fashion designers that have made quality and trending outfits.
Lily Alfonso, Nzika Wear, Roy View Designs and Xandria House of Fashion are some of the notable designers that have made a name for themselves. Their collections are not only people’s favourite, but are also unique. They carry special themes which portray and promote African identity.
However, there is one fashion company which is not widely known in town, but advances unique fashion and promotes inclusiveness. The brand is called Titchene Fashion Designs owned by three ambitious young women with hearing impairment, namely Wyness Chirwa, Happiness Kalumbi and Faith Banda.
The three have defied the odds to champion inclusive fashion.
Malawi has a significant population of persons with various disabilities such as hearing impairment. But they are excluded from the activities of society despite their impressive talents. Sometimes, they are restricted to specific activities because society looks down upon them and expects nothing much to come from them.
But the story of Wyness, Happiness and Faith is inspiring. The three have even dared the runway to display their modeling prowess. Thanks to the Xandria House of Fashion for creating a platform for inclusive fashion show called All Shades of Beautiful, Malawians are slowly appreciating the talent of the three.
A special mention also goes to Katiana LaFrance for embracing the dreams of the three talented young women to realise their potential.
It was all glamour and glitz when Titchene Fashion brand last week displayed its designs and catwalk during a colourful private event at the United States Ambassador’s residence.
The event was organised by the Xandria House of Fashion to accord young talented persons with different disabilities a chance to showcase their hidden talents and potential designs.
Xandria said persons with disabilities have what it takes to shine in fashion, but all they need is an opportunity to showcase their abilities.
It was an impressive night which saw young persons with disabilities courageously commanding the runway to showcase their designs.
It was a rare experience in the sense that people from all walks of life appreciated the hidden talents of persons with disabilities, as far as fashion is concerned.
Wyness, Faith and Happiness were on the runway, too, displaying their impressive designs.
This was their second appearance at a fashion show for Titchene Fashion Designs under All Shades of Beautiful.
“As Titchene, we are extremely positive about sustainable and inclusive fashion, we are climbing in the fashion industry, always determined and focused,” wrote Titchene Fashions on its official Facebook page.
Among other distinguished guests, the event was graced by US Ambassador David Young, Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza and Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule.
Music was performed by Bucci, the ambassador for the deaf through an initiative called Tikonze Apapa.
Sendeza hailed Xandria House of Fashion for embracing inclusive fashion in the country. She described it as a rare platform for nurturing talents and promoting participation of young persons with disabilities. “Creating an inclusive society, which accommodates the needs of all people is government’s strategic agenda. And I am happy that Xandria House of Fashion and other partners are complementing this through innovative ideas like All Shades of Beautiful Fashion,” she said.
