Alfonso’s designs in SA shops

Malawi’s fashion designer Lilly Alfonso has clinched a business deal that has landed her designs in one of South Africa’s clothing line shop.

Starting this month, Alfonso’s designer clothes are being sold in Burgundy Fly Clothing shops in Johannesburg.

She said: “The deal is that they buy from us then resale. We have started with five shops in Johannesburg only, but there are plans to extend supply to other parts of the country.

“We started this month with a consignment of over 200 pieces. We started with female outfits with a possibility of including male clothes when need arises.”

Alfonso said the first consignment was based on what the South African shop chose, adding her outfit is working on designs that have specifically been requested.

She said the development was a result of her efforts to penetrate the African fashion industry and beyond.

“I wrote introductory letters to different stores, mainly in South Africa, selling ourselves to prospective markets. Burgundy Fly liked the designs we sent them and here we are,” said Alfonso.

Burgundy Fly was established in 2008 by Nobesuthu Ndhlovu and her husband Nhlanhla and has been dealing in both local and international designs.

Burgundy Fly designer liaison officer Kelsley Parker said the Malawian design sensation landed the opportunity because of originality.

She said: “Lilly is a hit we look forward to the future and continuing to work with and develop her brand. She has print designs that are different; her design aesthetic is unique to us and she makes clothing of quality.”

So far, fashionistas can find Alfonso’s designs in Burgundy Fly stores in Menlyn, East Rand, Maponya, The Glen and Rosebank Malls in Johannesburg.

Parker said they are also stocking designs from two other outfits apart from Alfonso’s. n