Zambia’s fashion industry is increasingly moving beyond the runway, and Lusaka Fashion Weekend’s first two-day showcase reflected that shift.
The event opened with a TED-style panel hosted by Nabwalya Vlahakis, bringing together Faith Kabende, Vida Mwale and Machelyn Marshall for a discussion on the growth of Zambia’s fashion industry.
The decision to place an industry conversation alongside the runway is significant. Zambia has a growing pool of designers, models and creative entrepreneurs, but the sector continues to face the broader challenge of turning creative activity into sustainable businesses.
The second day returned to the traditional fashion-week format under the theme “Sunday Special”, with collections from Eta by Eta, Chirsha Arts, Luwi Fashions, Archana’s Collection and Mumu Dream Corner.
Twenty-three models took part in the showcase.
For the designers, however, the value of a fashion event extends beyond the visibility of a single collection. Runway platforms can provide opportunities to build brands, meet potential customers and strengthen relationships within an industry that remains relatively fragmented.
The two-day format therefore offered something beyond a conventional fashion show: a space to discuss the industry and then put its creative output on display.
As Zambia’s fashion ecosystem develops, the harder question will be whether these platforms can translate visibility into commercial opportunities, stronger brands and a more connected creative economy.
That is ultimately where the runway meets the business of fashion.
