EMERGING DESIGNER; VLISCO FASHION FUND 2015 IS HERE + MEET 2014 WINNER- ALINAFE MISOMALI


Photo Credit: Vlisco.com Alinafe Misomali Naphu of 'Alinafe' label - Winner of 2014 Vlisco Fashion Fund

Vlisco Fashion Fund is here again! An annual competition as part of Vlisco's celebration of women month.
Vlisco Fashion Fund is an initiative to support upcoming fashion designers and tailors in West and Central Africa to live their dream. Emerging fashion designers and tailors are encouraged to pitch their business plan before March 15, for the chance of winning master couture classes, a start-up fashion business package and funding. Only complete plans pitched via dream.vlisco.com/fashionfund before 15 March 2015 have a chance to win.

Finalists would be invited for an interview at the Vlisco office to present their plan, share their fashion ambition and show their skills. With its strict selection procedure, Vlisco is able to scout the true fashion talents and support them in realizing their fashion dream.

The winner of the Fashion Fund Award will be announced at the Vlisco Women’s Month Award Night on the 11^th April 2015.

MEET 2014 FASHION FUND WINNER ALINAFE

Alinafe Misomali of self name label "Alinafe" won the coveted prizes of 2014 Vlisco Fashion Fund. In collaboration with Vlisco, She showcased Ukali Collection at 2014 Glitz Africa Fashion Week and received big accolade from the audience.
The creative director, Alinafe explained what inspired the collection; "My collection is called Ukali. Ukali is a Chichewa word which means ‘highest level of hotness’. The collection comprises ten pieces and was inspired by the sunshine. From the hotness of the sunshine to the colours"

How did you incorporate Vlisco fabrics in this collection?
I used different Vlisco fabrics from different collections, some were from the Splendeur collection and others were classics. The Vlisco fabrics I was given influenced my designs in a way that they complimented my theme perfectly. Vlisco fabrics are also self-guiding; meaning that the designs guide the designer on what to come up with.

How did the collaboration with Vlisco work out for you?
Collaborating with Vlisco for me has been everything. Being an emerging fashion designer, Vlisco has helped me getting the so much needed exposure I have been longing for. Glitz Africa Fashion Week is one of the platforms that I have always wanted to be on and Vlisco has surely made my dream come true. I look forward to more collaborations with Vlisco in the future.

What is next for you professionally?
I am still looking for more exposure. My target now is international fashion platforms like Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, Africa Fashion Week London, Milan Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week. Just to mention a few…

Alinafe is currently working on her 2015 collection which will gathered that would be released within the first quarter of the year.

FOLLOW her on facebook

Click HERE to see her full collection at Glitz Africa Fashion Week 2014