Afrikawala to launch first ever Nakonde Fashion Week

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Fashion Designer, painter and entrepreneur ,Karen Nakamba, is set to launch the Nakonde Fashion Week through her fashion house, Afrikawala, on the20th 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 Muntuperform new music at the event, marking his return to the spotlight after a hiatus.

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 .

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

“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.”Read more at:marieaustralia

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.