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Africa: Alphadi, JD7 Couture, Kwesi NTI, Others Shine At Tendances Party
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Vanguard (Lagos)
11 May 2008
Posted to the web 12 May 2008
Jemi Ekunkunbor
It was the gathering of the best hands in the fashion industry in Africa when the annual Afrik Fashion Show, otherwise known as the Tendances Party, took place last weekend at the Ivorian capital, Abidjan. Fourteen African designers from home and abroad converged at the dome-shaped Ivoire Hotel conference centre, venue of the third edition of the show. The event unveiled the huge talent in the designers as they brought to bear on their work a fusion of both the traditional and a touch of western influences.
The show kicked off with some official sponsors having their own catwalk. Among them were Wrangler Jeans who showed off some of their best jeans from trousers, to skirts, to shorts, jackets, etc. UNIWAX, a textile manufacturing company based in Abidjan, also featured an ankara collection in different primary hues.
Celine Kobi
Designers also used the event as an avenue to remember and honour one of their own, Chris Seyedou, who died recently. A gold trophy was presented to his wife and daughter by the President of the Federation of African Designers, Senaily Alphadi, even as he showered encomiums on the late designer, eschewing his virtues and contribution to the thread and needle business.
Thereafter, the Vice-President of the Federation of African Designers, Pathe'O, led the pack of other designers as they filed out one after the other to showcase their collections. The elderly Burkinabe designer opened the show with an ex model whom the audience recognised and cheered. His collection, which went from day to night, had neatly finished, toned down adire fabrics with colourful bias detail.
From Nigeria came Data Okorodudu of DJ7 whose opening outfit, a black and white polka dot dress with flamboyant matching hat, drew waows and cheers from the appreciative crowd. Nigerian model, Joy Udu, who was first runner up at the last Runway Dreams Project, was on hand to strut the catwalk in a gorgeous yellow and black aso oke outfit. Known for exotic designs and characteristic train outfit, Data did not disappoint the audience as she churned out 11 vibrant well-fitted outfits to the delight of the audience.
The love for glitz and shine, which is very French, was evident in the works of most of the French designers. Satin and a lot of sequins featured in the collections of Patrick Asso and Celine Kobi. Gil Toure differed a little as his collection made from ankara included suits, skirts and tops, head-gears and matching ankara bags and base ball caps.
While Anderson D was very dramatic with his clothes, Kwesi Nti from Ghana was more classic in his well cut linen collection that also included matching shoes and slippers, all designed by him.
Sekona Sylia
Sekona Sylla proved that under garments don't necessarily have to come from abroad. Her collection included lacy underwears as well as some done in cotton and ankara pant and bras. Like Sekona, Michael Kra, all the way from France, was totally different as he featured a collection of neck, hair and wrist accessories that reminded one of ancient times. There were beads, feathers and wood pieces.
With Elie Kuame from Lebanon, his collection was reminiscent of the English and Greek with lace and a lot of shine. Alan Niava showcased suits from the regular suits to the British mourning suits while the female collection had a lot of blings, all flamboyantly styled.
Lanky Paul Herve Elizabeth was a breath of fresh air. His collection, of mostly white and black, was very urban, chic and with great appeal.
After about four hours of non-stop fashion show spiced with musical performances by local artists, President of the Federation of African Designers, Alphadi, closed the show with his collection of flowing dresses with Eastern undertones. About 20 models - male and female - all flocked the runway in different Alphadi designs cheering the amiable designer as he took a bow bringing the yearly show packaged by Isabelle Anoh to a beautiful conclusion.
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