Dublin will host international cutting-edge fashion designers at the luxurious venue that is the Clarence Hotel, Dublin. This exotic evening in Dublin will feature African and Africa-inspired fashion designs on Saturday 26th May 2012 from 6 – 10pm.
Tolu Omoyele, the event creator of From Africa With Love said “Our goal is to position Dublin City as an authentic fashion capital; where cultural identities are preserved, celebrated, admired and respected. We believe Africa Day is a perfect time to showcase the diverse cultural heritages of continent Africa.”
Dublin City’s Lord Mayor, Andrew Montague, said “Everybody living in Dublin should feel part of the community. We need to honour customs and traditions whilst challenging racism at every level. I know, as a public representative, how important it is that local and national politicians are visible in their support of integration in our City ».
Dublin based knitwear designer Lisa Shawgi, said “I am excited to be a part of ‘From Africa with Love’, an evening of international designs and mixed culture! My work is a constant journey of self discovery and allows me to keep that connection of where I am from alive”.
The first of its-kind, our agenda is to strengthen African-Irish relationships, reform the public perception of Africa for the better, promote active citizenship, empower the youths and facilitate innovation and trade.
Birmingham based ethical fashion designer Palvika Rathod, said “my aim is to inspire the audience with my new collection which consists of original pieces which were made in Zanzibar a small island in Tanzania, east Africa. I designed each piece in an environmentally and socially responsible way -WITH LOVE FROM AFRICA”
Tolu finished saying “most people of minority origin in Ireland, whether they are a minority by ethnicity, creed, or belief find it tough and challenging to project a positive image. The root of the problem lies in our physical or cultural differences which involve skin colour, language, culture, religion or tribe, hence, the solution too can be found through difference. Accepting and celebrating cultural differences is just one way, educating ourselves on these differences is another way to improve relationships”.
The participating designers include local Irish/Sudanese knitwear designer Lisa Shawgi and coming from Europe are Tanzanian ethical fashion designer Palvika Rathod, Swedish milliner Linda Mirembe, Ankara Clothing and Liza Yaa Bonsu. This event aims to promote international collaboration and creative exchanges on a global scale, to put Ireland on the map, as a global fashion capital.
There will be Afro beats, live music performances, exhibition and light refreshment.
This event is proudly supported by the Metro Eireann Newspaper, Runway Modelling Academy, the Makeup Crew, The Clarence Hotel, 3rd World Records, Dj Pepe, Jamirah Pixels, Rodney Simpson Photography, singer Jess Kav, Jaycee Print, Lightsource and many more local and international businesses.
Credits:
Photographer: Lukas Klein
Beauty: Susan Brophy and Marina Crean
Models: Stazia, Victoria, CJ and Ruairi