By Jimmy Chazama
Celebrated fashion designer Lilly Alfonso has partnered with the British Council to launch the Creative DNA Malawi initiative, a programme aimed at supporting local fashion designers.
The initiative, which started in March and will run until November, has already attracted at least 96 fashion designers who are participating in the programme to gain skills and mentorship on how to market themselves outside the country, among other things.
The programme is supported by the British Council and delivered in partnership with Lilly Alfonso. Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe on Friday, Lilly Alfonso said the initiative was an opportunity for designers to gain access to training and other platforms to showcase their work and create connections with buyers and investors.
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“Creative DNA Malawi is doing the same thing that I have been doing over the years, but with the added benefit of financing designers to showcase
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The award-winning fashion designer said the programme would provide designers with an opportunity to learn from industry experts and gain exposure.
“This collaboration with British Council will allow us to support a larger number of designers, providing them with training and opportunities to showcase their work globally,” she said.
Creative DNA will support a fashion show, led by Alfonso, set for Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe from November 27 to 30 2025.
The fashion show will accord designers an opportunity to showcase their work and connect with potential buyers and investors. The initiative will also see partnerships with universities in the country, allowing designers who did not attend university to learn from them.
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“The programme will tap from the universities’ fashion design programmes and work with them to support emerging designers,” she said.
