Malawian designers to showcase at Indonesian Eco Fashion Week

ive Malawian fashion designers have been invited to showcase their works at the Eco Fashion Week in Jakarta, Indonesia from November 30 until December 2.

Representing Malawi under the collective banner of ‘Malawian Maloto’ at the event which will focus on environmental preservation and recycling will be Gertrude Gugu Mlanga of Trashion designs, Nomonde Sambakusi of Nomonde designs, Vivietta, Patti Desante and I am J Jay.

Desante, who has facilitated Malawi’s participation at the event, said in an interview that the team that is going to Indonesia showed undoubted passion towards the promotion of fashion designs that are environmental aware.

“The team that we have assembled will raise the Malawi flag high. These are accomplished designers who have shown through their work that they have what it takes to shine on such a big stage,” she said.

Desante was invited to participate at a similar event in Australia last year where she showcased local designs mentored by the likes of Lily Alfonso, Nomondwe and Vivietta. She has used the links she established from that trip to get the four on board this time around.

Mlanga, who is founder of Trashion Designs which mainly deals with creations from recycled material, said she is privileged to be chosen to participate in the event which is in line with what her designs represent and stand for.

“This is will be an opportunity to see how people around the world are using the fashion medium to create awareness to the society in terms of keeping the environment clean and safe. At the same time, I want to learn how to improve my skills as a designer,” she said.

Nomonde designs owner Nomonde Sambakusi said the international platform will help them gain recognition and expand their customer base. n