Ten designers, including local, international, and emerging talents, are set to showcase their creations at the upcoming UMP Festival in Mangochi.
Among them is renowned designer Roy View Banda, the first winner of UMP Fashion Designer in 2018, he has promised fans a surprise with unique summer, casual, and dinner outfits.
“My designs are unique because they come from my heart. I started fashion designing as a business in 2016, but my passion for fashion began when I was young,” Banda shared.
“Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to dress top celebrities, footballers, and politicians, both within Malawi and internationally.” He added.
He encouraged aspiring designers to pursue their dreams with passion. His designs are available at his shops in Gulliver and Area 4 in Lilongwe and fans can follow Roy View Designs on all social media platforms.
Meanwhile, Lauretta Mtike, the Fashion Site Manager and Coordinator, revealed that various designs will be showcased, including her own. As a designer herself, Mtike emphasized the importance of interaction between local and international designers to promote learning and growth in Malawi’s fashion industry.
She has also acknowledged the upcoming designers taking part in the event and encourages them to follow their passion, they include; Piwa De Couturier and Teri Apparel
“It’s not just a fashion show—it’s an interactive session where we all learn from each other. The upcoming designers will learn from the established, and the established will gain insights from international designers. It’s about promoting creativity and talent,” Mtike explained.
She will present her designs under her brand, Vivietta Designs, which she launched in 2014 from her dorm room at university. Despite not attending fashion school, her brand has grown significantly and will be rebranding and relaunching at the festival.
“I’ve been working on these designs for a year, and I plan to showcase my fall collection. Vivietta is rebranding, and after taking a gap year to focus on myself and build a solid business strategy, this festival is a test for what’s to come,” she said.
Fans can follow her designs on Instagram, and a website will be launched soon for both local and international orders. A showroom is also in the works, where customers can walk in and explore her collections.
By Rashid Mkwehiwa
