2nd Annual Fashion for Peace to stimulate fashion industry

17 Apr '09

3 min read

FAFA - Festival for Arts and Fashion in Africa – will host their 2nd Annual Fashion for Peace gala evening on the 25th of April 2009 following the overwhelming success of last years event.

This year's show promises to be even bigger and better with a distinguished list International of African and local designers who will participate in the show. Kofi Ansah, a leading Ghanaian designer formerly based in London, will be showcasing his collection at the event. Other international designers participating from around the continent are and Thula Sindi (South Africa), Mame Fagueye Ba (Senegal) accessories designer Doreen Mashika (Tanzania), and Arapapa (Uganda). Kenyan designers who will reveal their collections are renowned designer John Kaveke, Betty Vanetti, Patricia Mbela, KikoRomeo, Kooroo and Monica Kanari.

The highly anticipated show mainly sponsored by the Intercontinental Nairobi, will be held at the Nairobi National Park in a marquee under the stars. It is promised to be a glam-filled event well attended by an eclectic mix of people including celebrities, diplomats, fashionistas, socialites and sports personalities. Guests will wine and dine whilst enjoying the fine African vogue exhibition and top-notch musical entertainment. Carlou D, a Senegalese, celebrated Afro-hip-hop musician will be performing at the event with his band and expose the Kenyan audience to his eclectic sounds. Other performances will be from Kenya's own Iddi Achieng and Afro- Project.

FAFA Fashion for Peace held its maiden event last year following the post-election violence in Kenya. Their mandate was to bring together different cultures in order to celebrate Kenyan and African diversity, to focus on the talent which exists as well as to market Kenya as a culturally rich tourism destination.

This year's event calls to action the unity of Africa as a continent and also to promote world peace. “We would like to come forth as ambassadors for peace in letting the world know that there is unity in diversity and that we need to make every effort to ensure that we embrace each other's differences”, says television personality Patricia Amira, host of The Patricia Show. “Kenya and the entire African continent has immense cultural magnificence that should be harnessed in order to deviate from violence” adds Patricia, who will be the MC at this year's event.

The event also seeks to stimulate the fashion industry in Kenya by inspiring the youth to develop their talent. They will hold a designer masterclass on the 23rd of March at the Goethe Institut for interested individuals who will learn from the visiting designers. The main topic to be developed is “Make trade fair” in relation to the fashion industry. Panelists include Joan Karanja of Cofta, Kofi Ansah and Muchiri Wahome of Deacons.

Chairman of FAFA, Ann McCreath says, “We, in the Kenyan designer fraternity would like to prompt the Government and financial institutions in assisting designers establish their businesses. The textile and fashion industry in Kenya, which has great potential, can create viable ventures for our youth especially in these trying economic times.”

The Festival – which has raised the catwalk standards in Kenya, is geared towards inspiring creativity in Kenya and shining a light on the rich culture of the African people. Virgin Atlantic has made it possible for the international VIPs to be flown in from Europe and the US.

Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards the Alternative to Violence Programme. The guest of honour will be internationally acclaimed athlete, Paul Tergat.

Festival for African Fashion and Arts

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