Boudoir by Doll Mabel to star at Dubai Expo

Malawian fashion designer Mabel Khonje has been selected as one of the  country’s flag carriers at the ongoing business and investment global platform Dubai Expo 2020.

The yearly event is seen as a marketplace for players from different sectors and countries, who come together to showcase their work and innovations in different fields such as culture, art, agriculture, technology, health, tourism, finance and real estate.

Khonje, through her fashion brand Boudoir by Doll Mabel, has made inroads on the international market and she says the latest opportunity represents another opportunity to break new ground.

“I feel very grateful for the chance to showcase Malawi’s depth of creativity and rich experience in design. To have the brand selected is an honour and an opportunity to keep doors open for more Malawian talent for years to come,” she said from her base in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Khonje said fashion is universal and global and that owing to her recognition, the opportunity may as well be used to highlight some of the strides that Malawi is making in other sectors such as mining, agriculture and energy.

She said: “The brand has been warmly received in Africa, Europe and Middle East. The Dubai Expo is a perfect platform for us to continue expanding the brand’s reach through new partnerships and investments.

“Malawians such as me have a unique opportunity and responsibility to show the world that Malawian products meet global tastes and standards.”

The fashion designer said the exhibition will be used to showcase her new set of new and wide range of designs which are set for official unveiling in 2022 such as cover-ups, new sets of lingerie and swimwear.

In a seperate interview, Malawi Investment and Trade Centre public relations manager Deliby Chimbalu said they are continuously mobilising the private sector to attend the event because they believe it is a good platform for forging business relationships and also a learning the latest innovations that are being used in different industries.

“We are also taking advantage of this platform to promote Malawi as a brand not only in terms of investment and trade, but also in terms of culture and tourism,” she said.

On her part, founder and president of Black Indegenous Business Network, Kettie Mwangala, said this is an opportunity to promote black enterprises who are seeking opportunities beyond the borders.

The Dubai Expo started on October 1 and it is expected to end on March 22 next year. So far Malawi have had more than 10 companies that have physically participated.

Khonje is expected to showcase her creations from December 11 to 17.