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Malawi’s fashion designer eyes international market

Malawi’s internationally acclaimed fashion designer Lilly Alfonso is optimistic of her future as she continues to dream in colour.

Some of her designs have already been shown in the UK capital last year, during the London Africa Fashion Week.

She recently told the BBC that New York, London, Milan and Cape Town are some of the cities she would like to target with her designs 10 years from now. She is convinced her maiden trip to the queen’s land is just the beginning.

“Everywhere where fashion is, I want to be there, and I see myself making it. I’m not doubting on that one. I dream big and I’m dreaming in colour,” she told the recent edition of the BBC‘s series African Dream.

“I am determined to hit the international market. I will expand my brand to the major parts of the world. Hard work has always been central in my work, as such, I will continue working hard to ensure that my name is out there.

“I am still working on plans on how to achieve these goals. But, in a typical one step at a time motion, the coverage that I am getting on international media platforms is opening up opportunities that I plan on fully exploring. But the key is hard work,” explained Alfonso who has hinted of representing Malawi at the London Fashion Week this year.

The designer is optimistic of the future despite Malawi passing through economic hardships.

“The flotation of the kwacha on the local market has been very crippling. The price of material keeps changing every day which is not good for business. For instance, I could have a client come in today and I would quote them for whatever they want based on the current cost of material but by the time I actually get the material, the price has gone up so I end up losing a lot.

“On the international scene, though my prices are very affordable compared to similar brands, things are not that bad. But whatever the case, I am optimistic of the future and I shall make it,” she said.

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