Fashion with a mission descends on London as the Tribes of Africa show launches
TOP African fashion designers will this Spring put on show their unique works at the inaugural launch of much anticipated Tribes of Africa (TOA) Fashion Show in London.
Organisers of the event, the social enterprise Black Girls Rock! UK (BGR!UK), will announce the unveiling of the show at a press event at London’s Grange Tower
Bridge Hotel on 2 February 2012.
Viola Ncube, the BGR!UK director and founder, says the TOA show has created an eclectic showcase of traditional and modern African couture collections in celebration of the elegance and diversity of African nations.
“We have created an eclectic showcase that is inspired by the unique styles and groovy designs that define African fashion. Though largely removed from the world media, African fashion is alive and in fact thriving. To capture the spirit of the season, we have also scheduled the TOA show to coincide with the Africa Day celebrations in May,” Viola said.
Among the top designers showcasing their work will be Nigeria’s Kemkem Studios, Chichia London from Tanzania, Ghanaian Beatrice K Newman, Tina Lobondi (Congo) and Stacey Kidega from Uganda.
Viola added, “For us, the TOA show represents the embodiment of fashion with a mission. Not only will the show provide a window into Africa’s fashion, it shall present a great opportunity to raise awareness to issues of marginalised and disadvantaged black women in our society.”
BGR!UK provides a platform for the empowerment of black women. It also offers mentoring prospects to black women looking for career, business and academic opportunities.
At the core of the organisation’s aims is a dedication to see the healthy development of black women in the fields of business, art and education.
Expected at the press launch will be some of BGR!UK’s key supporters including the Pop music sensation, Shingai Shonhiwa from the Noisettes, property tycoon an “Secret Millionaire”, Caroline Marsh, 2009 CNN Hero award winner Betty Makoni and London 2012 mayoral candidate, Siobhan Benita.
