Nzika Arts in exclusive fashion exhibition
Nzika Arts, one of the country’s fashion designers and event decorators, has organised an exclusive fashion exhibition scheduled for March 24 at Blantyre’s Casa Mia.
Dubbed ‘Nzika Fashion Soiree’ this is the first exclusive fashion exhibition to be staged by Nzika Arts since its official inception in 2004, according to the event’s promotion manager Samuel Chibaka.
Nzika Arts was pioneered by Mwai Namaona and his wife Sheena (nee Chilimampunga) around 2004, initially to promote creative Malawian designs aimed at sustaining the country’s culture through traditionally-inspired fashion wear.
“Nzika has been participating in different fashion exhibitions both locally and internationally. But this is its first exclusive fashion exhibition aimed at exhibiting its special fashion,” said Chibaka.
The exhibition will dwell on the latest stock such as 2016/17 men’s and women’s wear, which Nzika Arts has produced, he said.
“Of course, the exhibition will include a few old designs but much emphasis will be on the new designs that are in line with trends of modernity,” said Chibaka.
Apart from the fashion exhibition, there will also be a surprise exposition of Namaona’s paintings which he has been working on for some time.
“Mwai and Sheena are not only fashion designers but also artists who are into painting and poetry, respectively. Therefore, Mwai will exhibit some of his paintings during the fashion exhibition,” said Chibaka.
On his part, Namaona, who is the creative director of Nzika Arts, said his company has grown from since its establishment. He described the 13-year journey as both exciting and challenging in terms of emerging trends and economic condtions.
“We have managed to move with time as far as trends are concerned in the fashion industry. But the only major challenge has been economic hardships which has been hitting our country hard,” said Namaona.
He added that Nzika Arts has adjusted itself towards government’s initiative of Buy Malawi Strategy (BMS) which seeks to promote local products.
Previously, Nzika Arts has exhibited at several international cultural projects such as British Council in Zambia, Scotland Cultural festival and Fashion for Peace in Kenya which was organised by Goeth Institute of Germany Embassy.
