With six weeks left to the biggest African fashion extravaganza
outside of Africa that is Africa Fashion Week London 2013 scheduled for 1-3
August 2013 at Old Truman Brewery, AFWL patron Princess Fifi Ejindu has
given us an exclusive sneak peek at another grand event as part of the week
that is Africa Arts and Fashion Banquet to be held at The Dorchester Hotel on Sunday,
4 August 2013.
The first edition of African Arts and Fashionc Banquet supported
by the AFWL patron, Abuja-based businesswoman, architect and philantrophist,
Princess Fifi Ejindu will see leading dignitaries, first ladies, celebrities,
designers and business people both from Africa and Diaspora attend this
exclusive event at the prestigious venue.
Speaking of the event and her support to Africa Fashion Week
London 2013, Princess Fifi Ejindu said:
“I believe Africa Fashion Week London is a great platform for
African talent and a great opportunity for Africa to showcase the talent that
we possess. The era of the hungry African child is long over and it is now time
for our culture to be recognized globally.”
“With this event we intend to raise start-up funds for emerging
talent and tuition fees for extremely talented designers, hence in a way we are
empowering the youth of Africa. While some have the opportunity and the funds
to start their fashion labels, many others have no one to give them an
opportunity or the funds they need. We have all the natural resources and all
the talent in Africa but we should not leave it just to our leaders to help
progress. If each of us were to sweep our own doorstep, the world would become
a cleaner place. Therefore, this is our way to help emerging talent to a global
platform and the funds they need,” Ejindu added.
Not giving away too much about what is sure to be a spectacular
debut event, Ejindu also hinted that the African Arts and Fashion Banquet will
play host to the crème de la crème of African dignitaries and VIPs. “We have
some First Ladies of Nigeria already confirm their attendance.” Ejindu says,
“Also the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Edem Duke who has given his
endorsement to the event will be in attendance.”
Other equally noteworthy guests include the First Lady of Cross
River State, Her Excellency Mrs. Liyel Imoke and Ghanaian economist, scientist,
political writer and former chairman of the Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR) Ghana. Professor Edward Ayensu who will be the
Keynote Speakers at this prestigious fundraiser.
The exclusive event which intends to serve as the first
fundraiser event for the African Arts and Fashion Initiative which will create
start up funds for young designers to assist them in turning their creativity
into sustainability. Set to feature fashion shows, art exhibits, and an
exclusive celebration of African arts and fashion, the event will also see
awards given out to those who have contributed to the growth of youth and women
empowerment in Africa.
Speaking of the African Arts and Fashion Banquet, CEO and
founder of Africa Fashion Week London Ronke Ademiluyi said:
“When you empower young people it is like an investment because
if they are better educated and empowered, the future growth of our countries
will be high, which is all the more the reason we should all strive to do more
to help our young emerging talents reach their full potentials.”
The official sponsors for African Arts and Fashion Banquet are
leading pan-African women’s bimonthly New African Woman, L'Oréal’s
premium professional haircare range for Afro Caribbean and mixed-race hair
textures Mizani and Africa's fastest growing telecommunications
company Globacom Limited.
The three days of AFWL leading up to the exclusive banquet will
see over 100 African designers and exhibitors showcasing their designs at the
Old Truman Brewery just off Brick Lane. This years’ AFWL is set to be bigger
and better than ever, expected over 20,000 people to attend the event over the
course of the three days as well as our patrons Mrs. Ejindu and London-based
Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare MBE as well as celebrity ambassadors Menaye
Donkor Muntari, Noella Coursaris Musunka and Shingai Shoniwa alongside other
VIP guests.
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