Emerging fashion entrepreneurs in Malawi are optimistic about the Creative DNA initiative, which aims to enhance creativity and collaboration among designers.
Fashion designers in Malawi have expressed their enthusiasm for the Creative DNA initiative, a program developed through a partnership between the British Council and Lily Alfonso’s 100-Year Plan. The initiative aims to support and empower emerging fashion entrepreneurs by enhancing their creativity, business acumen, and collaborative skills within the local industry.
The official announcement and details of the program were shared during a press briefing in Lilongwe on Friday. Lily Alfonso, the lead implementer of the initiative, conveyed her personal transformation since participating in the program. “From the few classes that I have attended I have started seeing myself as a creative. Initially I would just do it for the sake of doing so but now I have been challenged to start thinking bigger and be a problem solver at the same time,” she remarked.
Among the participants was fashion designer Memory Ngwira, who expressed her aspirations for growth through the initiative. “I want to be able to grow my brand that I’m competitive enough even on the international market. I hope through this I will be able to market my products as well,” she stated, highlighting her efforts to enhance her business through the knowledge gained from the program. Ngwira further encouraged aspiring designers to actively seek opportunities that promote creativity and community engagement among their peers.
Joshua Munkhodya, founder of the clothing brand Living Through Time (LTT), shared insights into the collaborative spirit fostered by the initiative. “There is a lot of ‘I’ than ‘we’ in the fashion industry, but this initiative is already challenging us to work with fellow designers both locally and internationally,” he commented. Munkhodya pointed out that the program is proving essential in equipping participants with crucial understanding of finance and collaboration as they navigate the challenges of the fashion landscape.
The Creative DNA initiative is being recognized not only as a platform for individual growth but also as a movement aimed at reshaping the dynamics of the fashion industry in Malawi, promoting a more interconnected and supportive network among designers.
Source: Noah Wire Services
