With six weeks left to Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2013, AFWL patron, Princess Fifi Ejindu has given AFWL 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 Fashion 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.
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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.
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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.”
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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 andAfrica’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.