Upcoming fashion designer Mwaka Bwalya has encouraged Zambians to support local designers and their clothing brands. Upcoming fashion designer Mwaka Bwalya has encouraged Zambians to support local designers and their clothing brands.
Mwaka, a designer under Fashion label Muta-Benie, says there is a tendency among Zambians to shun from buying locally made clothing for international designs.
She says even though international designs were good, Zambians should still support local brands in order to promote them.
“Even though international designs are good, Zambians should not refrain from buying locally designed clothing”, she says.
The young artist notes that Zambian fashion designers are very talented, and make pieces worthy of one’s money.
She,however, highlights that due to lack of support, it is difficult for them to fully showcase their talent and flourish business-wise.
“There are a lot of good designers creating good pieces. What they lack is support, which is necessary for them to prosper,"she explains.
The 20 year old designer who believes in the adage “Local is laka” says Zambians must embrace local designs if the country is to build a reputable fashion industry that can compete on the international scene.
She adds that unlike foreign brands, local designs portray elegance whilst upholding the Zambian society's morals and culture.
Mwaka-Nandy, who is also a student at the University of Zambia says she dreams of becoming a successful fashion guru that will uphold Zambian fashion and empower upcoming designers.