Terry Made Designs: Redefining Luxury and Sustainability in Malawian Fashion

Blantyre-based fashion entrepreneur Terrence Thobani Ngulube is on a mission to revolutionise luxury fashion in Malawi. Through his clothing brand, Terry Made Designs, Ngulube offers more than just premium ready-to-wear and custom clothing; he’s weaving together fashion and sustainability to make a lasting impact in his community.

At the heart of Terry Made Designs is Ngulube’s passion for creativity and craftsmanship. His love for design shines through every garment he creates, each piece representing a unique blend of style and personal expression. “I love bringing new ideas to life and creating memories through fashion,” Ngulube says. But there’s more to his brand than meets the eye – Terry Made Designs is also at the forefront of sustainable fashion in Malawi, actively repurposing second-hand clothing to reduce waste.

For Ngulube, fashion isn’t just about making people look good; it’s about reducing environmental impact. By repurposing materials that would otherwise contribute to waste, he ensures that Terry Made Designs plays a role in both personal style and social responsibility. His commitment to sustainability is key to his mission, and it resonates with consumers looking for eco-friendly alternatives in the world of luxury fashion.

Building a Brand from the Ground Up

While Terry Made Designs has enjoyed visibility at local fashion events like the Zomba City Festival and gained attention in several fashion publications, Ngulube admits that the path hasn’t been without its hurdles. As a one-man operation, he juggles design, business management, and everything in between. Financing remains a challenge, as is often the case for many creatives turning their passion into a business.

However, Ngulube’s dedication and love for what he does make it all worthwhile. “Seeing people’s faces light up when they come for the final fitting makes all the hard work worth it,” he shares. His ability to balance creativity with the practical demands of business speaks to the resilience that has helped keep his brand thriving in the competitive fashion industry.

A Step Toward Global Recognition

Terry Made Designs is beginning to attract international attention. In 2023, Ngulube’s brand was selected as one of 12 finalists in the prestigious Création Africa programme, a French initiative aimed at supporting cultural entrepreneurs in Africa. This recognition has been a major milestone for Ngulube, bringing with it the opportunity for mentorship, seed funding, and valuable resources to help take Terry Made Designs to new heights.

“Being part of Création Africa has been a game-changer,” Ngulube notes. “It has provided me with mentorship and access to resources that I didn’t have before. The chance to connect with other cultural entrepreneurs and experts has helped me refine my business approach and think more strategically about the future.”

Fashioning a Better Future for Malawi

Ngulube’s aspirations go beyond personal success. He envisions the creative and cultural sectors as engines for economic growth and job creation in Malawi. By fostering skills and creativity in young people, he believes that businesses like Terry Made Designs can contribute to reducing unemployment and providing livelihoods, all while promoting sustainability.

Terry Made Designs is more than just a fashion brand – it’s a testament to the power of creativity, passion, and social impact. Ngulube’s vision for a more sustainable and stylish future is paving the way for a new era of fashion in Malawi, and his journey is only just beginning.