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Fashion designer Chikumbutso Gondwe made another step in the world of art when she launched her Chiccu Clothing label at CFAO in Blantyre on Friday night.

Chiku shed tears of joy during the event which attracted a sizeable audience as her rose evening dress was auctioned at K170,000.

This was the first fashion show created by Freemantle Management Limited and held in a car show room. Her parents came all the way from Zimbabwe to witness the colourful event.

Model, 17-year old Rejoice Namale who is doing her A levels at St Patrick's Academy, was chosen as the Chiccu Clothing label brand ambassador.

Namale was chosen by the audience after the models paraded twice in Chiccu clothing label. Apart from the winner, the models who paraded include Malawi News first and second princesses Tadala Itaye and Peggy Mwanguku, respectively.

Mwanguku had her chance to smile when the rose dress she wore, earned K170,000 during auction.

Chiku, who seriously started designing in 2005, said through the label, she wants to promote fashion and remove the misconception that imported clothes are better.

"I am happy that this project has come to pass. We are looking at holding more fashion shows especially twice a year," said Chiku who also owns L'Afric Tailoring Limited with her husband.

The event also gave the platform to orphans from Kondanani Children's Village to showcase their cat walking skills dressed in the label cloth.

Freemantle's Sam Chiwaka said the children were put in the picture to show them that there are people in the community who care for them.

"We wanted to show them the importance of dreaming and having a vision for their lives," he said.

Guest of honour during the event, Thomas Nkosi, of Steers and Debonair hailed Chiku for the exciting designs saying it makes Chiccu Clothing label unique.

"Malawians this is the way to do it, we must learn from Chiku and these are exciting designs. We are afraid of doing things but you can start small and grow big and I hope we will support this designer," said Nkosi.

He also said he was impressed by the models who showed courage and confidence during the parade as well as the girls from Kondanani.

Apart from parading, Kondanani orphans also performed their national anthem and earlier on they also performed with gospel singer Frank Chimpanzi.

There was also a performance from up and coming female singer and guitarist, 17-year old Madalitso Ngoleka.