Society

Lasting festival fashion impressions

 

Malawi’s fashion industry is not yet there but as a nation, the past few years have awakened a move towards global trends when it comes to fashion.

For the second time, the Sand Music Festival hosted a fashion show which brought together a number of up-and-coming fashion designers as well as two from within Africa.

And if the designs are anything to go by, Malawi’s couture trends arguably made one big upward curve.

Both male and female models dazzled in an eclectic mix of colourful, imaginative prints, bursting with gorgeous tailored looks. Clothes used from locally sourced fabrics and timeless shapes to compliment any figure, overstated ruffles, exaggerated A-line dresses and high pencil skirts coupled with tailored jackets all featured as a taste of Victorian grandeur.

On Saturday afternoon, the main stage at Sunbird Livingstonia Hotel was transformed into a ramp when eight local designers took turns to showcase their creations, joined by Kasonde Nkole from Zambia and Ghana’s former BBA representative and designer, MamBea.

Under the theme ‘Love Local’, first on the ramp was Nkole, whose outfits from locally made chitenje inspired fans who watched the fashion show.

She was followed by Mafrika by Sadia Mustafa, Kuwala Creations by Wachituta Thombozi, Chisomo Designs by Constance Kankhulungo, Sandra Nsonga of Splendour Designs, Arnold Gama of Arno Designs. Status Designs by Lumbani Maganga, Purity Kasambara of Adams Needle and MamBea.

Splash dresses, skirts and tops with edgy cuts and bright injections of colour, using popular cuts dressed up with mix and match materials the designs manage to be bold and unique whilst also remaining easy to wear.

The structured garments in summer colours were so inviting just like the chic styles and timeless, standout shapes showed the impressive craftsmanship that went into every piece. Eye catching deep red linings and daring thigh high cuts drew attention to just the right amount of flesh. The decadent dresses would make a stunning party outfit for any woman.

Male accessories gave a modern twist on stylishly tailored casual suits and shorts. An open, sleeveless, boldly checked red shirt sauntered down the catwalk, concluding a fun collection.

Some designs though seemed not fully done or lacked a perfect tailor finish. All in all, as much as there was darkness, there was light. So it was tough versus pretty, masculine versus feminine, light versus dark. The Malawi fashion industry has gradually outgrown the borders of the country and is steadily competing with other international fashion industries.

Once again Malawians sampled what local designers can make and surely, new designers have been exposed, which was the main goal of the organisers.

 

 

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