Fame: The fashion police verdict

The Fashion Malawi Edition recently held in Lilongwe left a lot in the mind of Malawians. Even the First Lady Callista Mutharika was thrilled to have been a part of the event. Malawi’s own fashion police blogger TOMBO BANDA had this to say about the event.

I arrived at Capital Hotel at about twenty minutes past seven, not panicking since it could be argued this was early in Malawian time for a 7pm start. Upon arrival, security guards with earpieces, army officers on patrol and a large expanse of red carpet immediately set the tone of what was going to be VIP-laden swanky extravaganza. I thankfully strutted down the soft red carpet, my six inch heels had already started to hurt despite my taking the precaution of lathering deep freeze gel on my feet minutes before leaving the house (I know- extreme- but beauty is pain!!!). I settled at my table, and following the arrival of the First Lady, the show began.

The theme of the show was ‘Re-dressing the Environment’. Though all the designers showcased fantastic collections, I will highlight the ones that best represented the theme in my opinion.

1. Uta Kylie

The first of my favourites was actually the first designer to show- and she definitely set the tone for the evening. The collection contained some fabulous separates- my favourite being a drop-crotch pair of shorts with a matching top. She also had a killer jacket. In an environment where the status quo of “African Fashion” or “National Wear” usually includes some form of skirt/top combination or dress in chitenje, this was a refreshing and new way to incorporate ‘Africaness’ in modern clothing

2. Manuela

Her style was subtle and elegant, with interesting details pulling together each outfit. My favourite pieces here were another brilliant pair of drop-crotch pants (yes, yes, I do fancy a crop crotch) and wonderful dresses which utilised chitenje material in a unique way- forming cut-outs of different shapes such as to embellish and line the dresses. Again this was a different way of incorporating prints into modern and hip clothes.

3. Clemoh- International Designs

The eventual winner of the event was brassy, glitzy and 100% show-biz. It was a fun collection with distinctive flair, dramatic evening wear and full of embellishment. This collection brought some well-needed glamour and haughtiness to Malawian fashion, redressing our sometimes subtle and muted National Wear style. My favourite piece was a Menswear suit, excellently taiored and carried off with pimp-like swagger by the model.

4. Lilly Alphonso

Last year’s winner demonstrated the talent and flair that won her the completion last year. The collection was diva personified, with wonderful use of accessories including hats. It was funky, young and fresh. I could immediately picture myself wearing one of her dresses to a party at the lake. The prints were mixed with creativity and originality.

Overall, the show left me very excited about the future of fashion in Malawi. It was extremely well organised and went off without a hitch. It was a demonstration of the quality and talent we have in our artists and designers. I was especially excited to hear talk about the impact events such as FAME could have on the economy. Apart from the event itself being a money generator, the promotion of art and culture has knock-on effects. Fame was a wonderful example to the nation we are becoming.—fashionpolicemw.wordpress.com