Designer Spotlight: The Visionaries Who Defined FashionEVO Zambia

FashionEVO Zambia brought together an inspiring lineup of designers whose work reflects the richness of African creativity. From luxury bridal couture and contemporary ready-to-wear to cultural storytelling and textile innovation, each designer presented a distinct perspective on what African fashion can become. These are the creatives whose collections lit up the runway.

 

 Natasha Watanuka — Tashfash Designs

As Founder and Creative Director of Tashfash Designs, Natasha Watanuka Banda has built a reputation for transforming Zambia’s cultural identity into contemporary luxury fashion. Since launching the brand in 2017, she has become known for her bridal couture, luxury garments, and collections that celebrate heritage through modern design.

Beyond the runway, Natasha has demonstrated the power of fashion as a force for impact. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tashfash Designs produced over 10,000 medical scrubs and 10,000 face masks, supporting national health initiatives while showcasing the strength of Zambia’s creative industry.

Her commitment to preserving culture extends through initiatives such as AM Zambia – The Zambian Luxury Runway Experience, a platform dedicated to celebrating local craftsmanship and authentic Zambian storytelling. As an advocate for intellectual property and creative ownership, Natasha continues to champion sustainable growth for Africa’s fashion industry while representing Zambia on international creative and development platforms.

 

 Tolu Akinpeloye — NACK Apparel

Nigerian creative director and entrepreneur Tolu Akinpeloye is the founder of NACK Apparel, a contemporary fashion brand built around African identity, cultural expression, and purposeful storytelling.

With expertise spanning creative direction, product development, retail strategy, and brand building, Tolu approaches fashion as more than clothing—seeing it as a powerful medium for identity, aspiration, and cultural influence. His work focuses on creating brands that are both creatively compelling and commercially enduring, positioning African fashion within the global conversation while remaining deeply rooted in authenticity.

 

 Ebunoluwa Dosumu — Shakara Trybe

Ebunoluwa Dosumu is the Founder and Creative Director of Shakara Trybe, a contemporary African fashion brand and cultural movement celebrating African heritage through fashion, storytelling, and creative expression.

As a media personality, television host, and entrepreneur, she uses multiple platforms to elevate African culture while empowering emerging creatives. Her work bridges fashion, media, and cultural advocacy, demonstrating how creativity can inspire pride, preserve heritage, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s growing creative economy.

 

 Kiki Okewale — Fabric Printing Global & Hope Fashion Group

Entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, and audacity coach Kiki Okewale has dedicated her career to creating opportunities within Africa’s fashion industry. As Founder and CEO of Fabric Printing Global and CEO of Hope Fashion Group, she leads businesses spanning textile printing, garment production, retail, and accessories.

Beyond business, Kiki is passionate about developing people. Through Blings and Blanks Academy and Women High Achievers Trybe (WHATRYBE), she has equipped thousands with entrepreneurial, leadership, and creative skills. Her work reflects a vision of fashion as an ecosystem capable of transforming industries, communities, and lives.

 

 Christine Kapenda — KUWALA by CKC

Christine Kapenda, Founder and Creative Director of KUWALA by CKC, is celebrated for creating fashion that embodies confidence, elegance, and African sophistication.

Her portfolio spans bridal couture, pageantry, editorial fashion, occasion wear, and cultural design, with each collection blending contemporary silhouettes and exceptional craftsmanship with African-inspired storytelling. Through her work, Christine empowers women to embrace life’s defining moments with confidence, purpose, and unmistakable style.

 

 Varinder Kaur — Kaur Fashion

Varinder Kaur is the founder and creative designer behind Kaur Fashion, a Zambia-based brand recognized for its elegant women’s fashion, couture, ready-to-wear collections, and cultural fusion designs.

Combining contemporary aesthetics with diverse cultural influences, Kaur Fashion creates timeless pieces that celebrate individuality, creativity, and confidence. Every collection reflects the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation while encouraging women to express their personal style with authenticity and grace.

 

 Vonneta Simpamba — House of Vo

Founded in 2011, House of Vo has become one of Zambia’s respected luxury fashion brands under the creative direction of Vonneta Simpamba.

Specializing in bespoke bridal wear, contemporary occasion wear, and functional gowns, the brand is known for timeless elegance, meticulous craftsmanship, and thoughtful design. Through appearances on prestigious fashion platforms, House of Vo continues to showcase the sophistication of Zambian fashion while empowering women through beautifully tailored creations.

 

 Kasonde Nkole — Kasslita’s Designs

Lawyer-turned-fashion designer Kasonde Nkole transformed a passion that began in high school into the award-winning brand Kasslita’s Designs.

Recognized as Zambia Fashion Week’s Designer of the Year in 2016 and recipient of the Merck More Than a Mother Fashion Award in 2019, she has represented Zambia on runways across Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, and Namibia.

Her design philosophy celebrates African print through bold colour, modern silhouettes, and innovative fabric combinations, creating collections that proudly showcase the richness and diversity of African textiles to the world.

 

Omolara Cole — Amarelis

Omolara Cole is the Founder and Creative Director of Amarelis Atelier, a global contemporary botanical womenswear brand inspired by the beauty of nature and brought to life through exceptional African craftsmanship. Renowned for its refined aesthetic, impeccable tailoring, and thoughtful design, the brand creates timeless pieces that celebrate femininity, artistry, and modern luxury.

Omolara’s Amarelis is inspired by the resilience and beauty of the Amaryllis flower. Amarelis is a contemporary womenswear brand that celebrates femininity through refined craftsmanship and timeless design.

Blending vibrant colour palettes with earthy tones, fluid silhouettes, and rich textures, each collection draws from nature’s landscapes and seasons to create elevated yet effortless fashion. Guided by an endless summer spirit, Amarelis combines global influences with contemporary craftsmanship and local artistry, empowering women to bloom confidently wherever they are.

FashionEVO Zambia was more than a runway presentation—it was a celebration of African creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation. Each designer brought a distinctive perspective, proving that the continent’s fashion industry continues to evolve through bold storytelling, cultural pride, and exceptional design. Together, these creatives demonstrated that African fashion is not only shaping trends but defining the future of global style.