Clemol crowned 2011 FAME Designer of the year

ALBERT SHARRA

After being selected as a designer who produced the best dress design that fits the First Lady Callista Mutharika last year, 29 year-old designer Clemol Sato of International designs on Friday moved a step further to the last slot to win the 2011 Fashion Malawi Edition (FAME) best designer of the year title at the Capital hotel marquee in Lilongwe.

Clemol who is just four years in the industry was short of words after the event but said he was not surprised with the nomination saying he has best designs that could not deny him victory at the competition.

“I am humbled that I have won the title which was so competitive. It is a great honour to me and I believe it will act as a stepping stone in my carreer,”he said pointing out a variety of designs he has as having some elements which most designers don’t know.

For the second time in a row the first lady has also liked his dress designs and she has pledged that she will put on one of his designs during the next United Nations (UN) conference.

Speaking during the event, Mutharika who was also the guest of honour at the event hailed founder and director of FAME Zalanie Nyundo for the initiative which she said will promote creativity among designers and promote designing in the country.

Nyundo said it is her wish to see the initiative growing very big and more youths joining it. She also asked the corporate world and individuals to support the initiative saying design has a bigger role to play in the development of the country.

Over twelve designers both from Malawi and the surrounding countries exhibited their artistic work. Among them  include Uta Kylie, Kara Maria, Manuka, Khalidwe, International designs, Sheen Karim, Samalani Youth Designs, Afrofasions (Mali), L’Afric, Patricia Mtambalika (Namibia) and Lilly Alfonso.

Clemol is the second winner of the title after last year’s winner Lilly Alfonso.

This year’s event was held under theme redressing our environment.

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