MALAWIHEAT REPORTER
Mzuzu-based fashion and textile
designer, Ruth Chirwa, has hailed organisers of a unique fashion show for
persons with disabilities to either showcase their designs or model the designs,
saying it is an important space for her to take her talents to the world.
Designer Xandria of House of
Xandria said the event, scheduled for September 4 at Amaryllis Hotel in
Blantyre, is aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion especially of people
who have physical disabilities in the fashion industry.
“Apart from stigma, I discovered that talent exists among persons with physical disabilities but what is lacking is opportunity and a platform to showcase their ideas and talent; hence, coming up with this idea,” Xandria is quoted as saying in the local press.
According to Xandria, she believes
bringing in different forces, hands on expertise and ideas yields positive
results.
“We have partnered with
Malawi Council for the Handicapped (Macoha) to bring in their designers, models
and artists that are physically challenged to take part in the event by
showcasing their talent,” she said.
The fashion designer added
that they are also calling out to physically challenged designers, tailors,
models and artists across Malawi to come and participate.
In an interview, Chirwa, who
plies her trade in Mzuzu but was trained at Miracle Technical Institute in
Karonga, said in an interview with MalawiHeat.com that she was ready for the
fashion show.
“I am excited about it
[fashion show], and I can’t wait. Right now, I have sought extra services of a
friend so that I speed up on the designs that I will showcase in Blantyre next
month,” said Chirwa, who recently featured in a Amai Mbambade programme that identifies
women or girls that are making it in the society against all odds.
