Alfonso confident of progress after UK fashion shows
After making Malawi proud with her dazzling clothing in the United Kingdom recently, up-and-coming designer Lilly Alfonso says she is now determined to hoist the country’s flag even higher.
The Lilongwe-based designer was the centre of attraction at the Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) where she showcased her dazzling garments which are a combination of contemporary and ethnic styles.
After scoring a mark on the fashion world at the AFWL, Lilly staged another show in Luton City where it was attended by mostly Malawians from nearby areas, London, Essex and Wolverhampton.
“My trip was good and so inspiring and I got a lot of task to do from now since my label has been marketed globally,” the fast-growing Malawian designer told Nyasa Times.
“There are a lot of fashion people interested in my designs and I have a lot of orders to deliver by the end of September,” added Lilly.
In Luton, Malawi’s deputy High Commissioner (HC) to UK, John Tembo Junior was guest of honour and was joined by other embassy officials including vice chairperson of the Malawi Association UK Gertrude Chirambo.
The deputy HC applauded the Malawian designer for her unique creative art in design which he observed would put Malawi on the map of clothing designs.
Following the exhibition, Lilly had a meeting with the Trade Attaché at the Malawi embassy Mufwa Munthali and others who gave her leads to expand the fashion business in the UK and USA market through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
He stated that as a Mission, he was very happy that the materials which were used to produce the breathtaking outfits were sourced locally from Malawi cotton, with the tie and dye also processed locally.
With the stimulating local support and that she received in the UK, Lilly sees progress and is optimistic that she is here to make an invaluable contribution to fashion.
“All I see is progress. I’m not only targeting UK because I plan to have something in South Africa and the main fashion cities in the world.”
