"African Fashion Rocks" NYC

What: "African Fashion Rocks" NYC fashion show
When: Saturday, March 27th, 2010
Where: Jamaica Performing Arts Center 153-10 Jamaica Avenue - Jamaica, NY
Who: Osun Designs (Delali Haligah), OYATO (Odunayo Ade), KREATIF DESIGNS (Tosin Olaniyi), BEWAJI (Sunmbo Abiola), GALAPEGO (Galapego Incor.), LEONCHE (Almira Wilson), VIOLET COUTURE (Tosin Savage), MYISSME (Irijah Stenett)
Why we loved it: Cultural fusions, flavorful fashions, bombastic beats, and initiative

On Saturday I had the privilege of covering the premier "African Fashion Rocks" fashion show in New York City. Since this was a first time event, I didn't know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised by performances, a vibrant atmosphere, and fashion-forward attendees. This initiative was coordinated by Oga Ju Inc. and supported by sponsors such as Steve Madden, Trendy Africa, and Lisa Beauty Range. While most of the featured designers and models are NYC locals, some traveled from the likes of Washington, DC to be part of this high-fashion evening.


As the lights dimmed, Alicia Key's, "Put it in a Love Song" began blaring, and the show started with a bang! Striking fabrics of red, orange, gold, green, blue, and purple came strutting down the runway. Contrary to the neutral earth tones sometimes associated with Africa, these garments screamed modernity and color. Social and cultural messages were omnipresent themes throughout this fashion show, as awareness symbols and traditional African patterns were incorporated into garments. Jamaica, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone are some of the designers' heritages that were reflected in the way materials were styled on the models. The expressive nature of this event proves the necessity for a more culturally diverse fashion industry. "African Fashion Rocks" NYC was a complete success, and I hope to see a second annual event!

  

Founder and Project
Manager of Africa Fashion Week
(New York)™ Adiat Disu

America's Next Top Model
Aminat Ayinde

                            Designers Dishhh...

Designer Irijah Sennett and
Publicity Coordinator
Jason Jeffers

Designer Sunmbo Abiola

Q: How do you feel about the cliched term, "tribal" that is often used to describe African fashion?                                            

Sunmbo: That's one thing I want to correct. African fashion has evolved. Most of the time there is nothing native about it, it's simply good fashion.

Irijah: That term is ok, and I kind of like it. Tribal and ethnic. Africa is not a country, it's a continent, and seems very international because there are so many different tribal and ethnic groups.


Q: Do you think that the recent African "tribal" trend that has been featured in magazines, such as, Vogue will help boost your sales?                  
  Irijah: Yes, and that's great...right now it's all about "ethnic"!

Check out our faves from the show!