On the 17th November, the Festival of African Fashion and Arts (FAFA) will host the 4th Annual Fashion for Peace gala evening at Silver Ring, Ngong’ Race Course.
This glamor-filled evening will showcase the very best in African fashion, merging the creations of established designers from around the continent with that of emerging talent on the catwalk.
Conceptualized by Ann McCreath, creator of Kenyan fashion label KikoRomeo and founder of FAFA, the objective is to draw attention to the creativity and sophistication that exist in Kenya and in the African continent while building on hope and promoting peace.
FAFA — 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. Because of growing influence and popularity, the festival has now become an annual celebration of fashion, music and the arts.
The event will feature international guest designers of Menswear & Womenswear; B’ExotiQ (Ghana), Gloria Wavamunno (Uganda), Mudi Africa (Nigeria), Zekaryas Solomon (Eritrea/UK), local designers; Anna Adero, Deepa Dosaja, Embody Accessories, Kaveke, KikoRomeo, Kondakis, Kooroo, Monica Kanari, Riri Jewellery and Winners of FAFA Insight emerging designers competition Jamil Walji, Azra Walji, Galina Tatarinova and Ogake Mosomi.
As 2013 sees a new presidential election, Fashion for Peace serves as a call for peace on the African continent. FAFA is about artists in society opening the minds of the public to different cultures and ideas. Kenya is made up of over 40 communities, each with its own identity. Focusing on the positives of diversity, through creativity and glamor, FAFA hopes to bring people together, united in the celebration of fashion, music and art.
According to McCreath: “Peace must exist to bring out the best in ourselves and our communities. We all love Kenya, and so I have faith that as we vote we will use our intelligence and sensitivity to rise above political differences and embrace our diversity as a nation. FAFA shows that there is so much to gain by opening our minds and using creativity as a bridge between cultures”.
The fashion industry in Africa has quickly become one of the continent’s most commendable assets, and has the potential to play a huge role in Africa’s social and economic development. FAFA aims to stimulate this yet untapped sector of the economy, by increasing awareness of the creative industries and developing a strong vision for it. If properly developed, the fashion industry can contribute considerably to Kenya’s economic growth, creating jobs and expanding trade.
Bitange Ndemo, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Information and Communications, says the creative industry, which had been ignored for several decades, offers impetus to the country’s economy and must be therefor be nurtured to get its full potential.
“Creative economy is going to be key in terms of employment creation in Kenya and it is about time we recognise this sub-sector, which has been ignored for so long. We must exploit the many talents that exist in Kenya and raise awareness from primary school level, exposing our children to many things. Parents across the country should support and nurture artistic talent in their children,” says Ndemo.
This year, FAFA is partnering with Kenya’s top CEOs who will take the stage in a custom made outfit by different Kenyan fashion designers. The CEOs and other public figures who will be sharing the stage with top international models such as Ajuma Nasenyana, include Jebet Amdany, General Manager Scannad Kenya, J.S. Vohra, Managing Director of Sarova Hotels; Muchiri Wahome, CEO of Deacons; Adrine Muhura, Senior Marketing Manager, Safaricom Kenya; Jeff Koinange, Chief Anchor of K24 television; Marc Beuve-Mery, Managing Director of Pernod-Ricard – the holding company of Jameson whiskey.
The finale will be centered on Kenya’s Sports Heroes who excelled at the recently concluded Olympic games in London earlier this year. They too will take the stage, supporting their African brothers and sisters in the creative industries to showcase the very best that Africa has to offer.
For more information, please visit the FAFA website: www.fafakenya.org