The 2021 Mozambique Fashion Week (MFW) has been held successfully with stylist, Ilda Semedo being crowned the coveted winner of the maiden National Institute of Tourism (INATUR) Challenge.
The event which ran from 7th to 11th December drew participation from the country’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, through the National Institute of Tourism and the National Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries (INICC) for the first time.
The Ministry’s presence at 2021 MFW offered them the chance to showcase Mozambique’s tourism and cultural potentials thus promoting the Southern African country as a top destination for both domestic and international tourism.
The INATUR Challenge winner, Ilda Semedo was selected from among 30 stylists who were challenged to produce pieces through Capulana Marca Moçambique.The stylist who produced a communicative and fully illustrative piece in terms of promoting tourism was then announced the winner.
The Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Fredson Bacar, closed the MFW 2021 and challenged DDB and all promoters of the national fashion industry to be the force of change that the fashion industry needs, so that it becomes more conscious and sustainable since sustainability is not only in the good manufacturing practices of fashion items but also in conscious consumption attitudes and choices.
“Opting for alternatives that are less aggressive to the planet must be the perfect alternative for the consumer. Our fashion industry must offer, encourage and wear the shirt of change we need to save the planet.”
Bacar also commended greeting to DDB Mozambique, organisers of MFW and its partners for doing their part in promoting and developing Mozambican arts and culture through fashion by creating these types of events that serve as workshops and incubator opportunities for various designers, models and artists to showcase their creativity.
Among the various objectives of the event, the MFW intends, essentially, to become a poster for the promotion of culture and tourism, placing Mozambique on the itineraries of international fashion, a factor that has led the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to embrace the initiative as the objectives align with those of the government.
The 17th edition, held under the motto “New age: Fashion Forward” comprised fairs, exhibitions, workshops and parades interspersed with performances by various musicians.
This year’s MFW brought together 78 designers, including nine from South Africa, Angola and Japan, 23 brands and 46 young designers.
