The maiden Summer Fashion Show has come with a strong statement that fashion is here to stay as the event received a warm welcome in Mzuzu on Friday night.

From the organisation to patronage, the music acts, the modelling and the designs were par excellence although the organisers failed on time management.

The event was billed to start at 6pm at the Springs Park on the edge of Kaning’ina Forest, only to kick-off three hours later.

It started with a speech by Miss Malawi of 1978 Martha Chimpozo Kamanga, who was guest of honour.

Some of the models on the runway

Before making her address, Kamanga cat-walked on the runway to reminiscent of her old days and showed the present models how it ought to be done, something that pleased patrons.

Then the main menu for the night was served. It started with a showcase of designs by Ellie Designs before Keitumile, Infinite Designs, and Salinda Designs graced the runaway.

It was a night to celebrate culture and tradition with the use of the African print chitenje which dominated most of the designs.

However, Base Creative brought in a new taste as his designs infused the chitenje fabrics and streetwear. He centred his creatives on Afro-futurism as a theme to picture Africa in the future using clothing.

Said Chris Ngalu, proprietor of Base Creative: “The collection is inspired by African traditional clothing, and locally found materials just reimagined into the future.”

The headline act was Nandi Designs from Zimbabwe who wowed the runway with brides in black attire, an act he themed Black Widow.

His showcase was a typical case of decolonising brides wear where white is celebrated over black. For him, fashion has the power to break such beliefs that white is the colour for purity and black for evil. And the stereotypical beliefs that white is supreme over black.

“We were taught to love white. But we are black. Why are we supposed to love white. Colonisers made us love white. Let’s unbelieve that. And love ourselves,” he said.

Nandi said fashion has got no boundaries nor rules.

“Anything that you think as a designer is incorporated in, as long as it is fashionable.

“All in all, I wanted to show that a bride can look good in black. You can mourn in black. You can celebrate in black,” he said.

The event’s founder Willard Msosa said the show was organised to promote culture and create a market for designers.

“I am a designer myself and I know how difficult it is to find markets. So, I want to provide such a platform where designers can showcase their skills, designs and at the same time promote our culture,” he said.

The event was spiced up with performances by Onesimus, Tuno and Dumisane.

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