Friday, March 29, 2024

Afrikawala to launch first ever Nakonde Fashion Week

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Karen Nakamba, CEO of Afrikawala
Karen Nakamba, CEO of Afrikawala

Fashion Designer, painter and entrepreneur ,Karen Nakamba, is set to launch the Nakonde Fashion Week through her fashion house, Afrikawala, on the 20th of May at Central Park Lodge.

The fashion show, first of its kind in Nakonde, will feature different kinds of African wear for both men and women.

Nakonde is abuzz with the news of the upcoming show, other designers who have never had a chance to showcase their clothes at a fashion show are anxious to get exposure from the upcoming event.

The show, sponsored by African Drilling Limited will see Leo of Black Muntu perform new music at the event, marking his return to the spotlight after a hiatus.

model Laurisca Kasongo
model Laurisca Kasongo

Karen, who recently located her fashion business to Nakonde says she decided to move from Lusaka because the capital city is saturated with fashion houses. She felt Nakonde was the ideal place for her to take her business. It is also her place of birth .

“You know clearing and forwarding is the only viable business in Nakonde and now with Afrikawala setting up here I want to bring change so that people can see how it is done, beginning with this fashion show.” She says.

Karen engaged local Nakonde tailors to sew the clothes the models will showcase because she wants to empower them.

Karen Nakamba with Nakonde tailore who worked on Afrikawala wear
Karen Nakamba with Nakonde tailore who worked on Afrikawala wear

“They were very excited to sew the clothes because this is the first fashion show here and they are happy to be a part of it. It was a lot of work to get everything sewn on time, but we did and now just look forward to the 20th of May.”

Karen, who lost her mother at the age of 15, says fashion can empower people, especially women and help them earn a decent living. “My mother is the one inspired me to pursue my passion dream and thanks to her I am able to make a living off designing clothes and I believe other women can do the same too.”

Karen also does some charity work where she, through Afrikawala, helps widows and orphans by training them to make crafts and be self-reliant.

“I believe in giving people skills so that they can make a living on their own. You know prostitution and other vices is rife here in Nakonde because it is a border town so I started this initiative on my own so that we can save lives and give them what to do.”

Besides designing clothes, Karen also makes beads and other crafts. “I believe in not putting my eggs in one basket, so with my fashion thing going on I also make beads and do some painting as well.”

Model Cecilia Kongwa in promo shoot for Nakonde Fashion Week (2)
Model Cecilia Kongwa in promo shoot for Nakonde Fashion Week (2)

Afrikawala is a namwanga word which means ‘to shine’ and through the fashion house, Karen says she wants Africa to shine through fashion. She started the fashion house last year and has showcased her designs at Lusaka Fashion Week and Vitenge ni Vatu.

Model Nkumbu Namusamba in promo shoot for Nakonde Fashion Week
Model Nkumbu Namusamba in promo shoot for Nakonde Fashion Week

 

 

BY KAPA187

 

 

 

9 COMMENTS

  1. Mupelesi,

    Well done. We are right behind you. With your attitude and ambition, you will only go far.
    We are proud of you.

    Your brother,

    Mukotenakuwama.

  2. Thank you so much for your support….@KK thanks for your advice but with fashion,there’s nothing like choosing what to design or not. Customers are different.

  3. hai Karen, its been long but just to say thats the moza, we must take it to the remote places. most people are busy in a busy place, but we must get busy in a remote place to create not only awareness of new fashion trends but other issues that affect people lives.
    you are brave.
    i have a dota who is designing clothes and fabric designs, are you taking on new talent pieces not yet on the market, please get back to me if you can. i would be happy if we engaged on this matter.

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