June 7, 2010 – KikoRomeo was awarded the International Creativity Award at “Notte in Fiore’ in Noto, Italy. The celebration of art and culture, with a fashion show on the steps of the cathedral, culminated in the awards ceremony awards for fashion, journalism, and culture. Renowned Roman couture designer Renato Balestra was awarded the Italian Award for Creativity, while Ann McCreath received the international prize on behalf of KikoRomeo.

Speaking on her arrival from Italy, McCreath said “this is so unexpected, and a great honour. I hope it is just the beginning for more collaboration between African and Italian design companies, and greater representation of designers under the “Made in Africa” banner”.

The couture show was organized by Loredana Roccasalva and featured three Sicilian couture designers under the banner “Made in Sicily”, KikoRomeo under “Made in Africa” and Renato Balestra as a leading figure in “Made in Italy”. The organizers chose KikoRomeo in collaboration with Italian Cultural Institutes around Africa to represent the bridging of European and African cultures. The region of Noto is promoting the role of Sicily as a bridging point with Africa. Sicily is one of the most southerly places in Europe, which through the centuries has traded with many African countries in the Mediterranean.

KikoRomeo presented a couture collection of raw silk mixed with vibrant African wax prints, which were embossed with gold and copper coloured patterns. The shapes and cuts of the clothing were inspired by the oval shapes of Maasai shields.