Qurux Afrika 2 – an evening of African Fashion
The African continent, known for its rich history and culture, shows off its beauty in fashion through the interpretation and influence of colour, texture and style. From natural hair styles, beaded jewellery to the patterns, prints, dyes and cuts of fabric, African fashion has found its place on main stream runways and the general public has embraced it wholeheartedly. African style has become a state of mind, it embodies beauty and purpose, evokes spiritual strength and inspires individuality.
The Emancipation Support Committee, presents Qurux Africa, an evening of elegant African fashion at Under the Trees, Hotel Normandie on Sunday July 3rd. Zakiya Uzoma-Wadada, Executive Director of the ESC shared “Qurux Africa, Somali for African Beauty, allows us an opportunity to celebrate our African beauty, strength, elegance and fashion. African fashion is dynamic, inspiring and gives the wearer a greater sense of self. A fantastic Sunday evening is planned where we can show love, respect and passion for traditional and contemporary African designs.”
For the second year, the show will be managed by Fashion Focus, well-known for their ability to match emerging designers with retail outlets as well as their annual production of the Fashion Convention and Fashion Magazine. Michael Christopher, lead consultant for Qurux Africa says, “One of the main goals of Fashion Focus is to create an innovative angle on the presentation of fashion, one that is more fluid, dynamic and engaging. Shows like this allow the patron to enjoy a show, select items that appeal to them and purchase items at the Pop-up shop. And you will see a variety of styles, evening wear, business, casual, men’s wear and swimwear, both male and female.”
A dynamic mix of entertainment, casual, ethnic and formal clothing and accessories will be on display Under the Trees at the Hotel Normandie. Headlining on the catwalk as the face of Qurux Africa will be Ms. Athaliah Samuel, one of the most sought after models in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. She shared “I am pleased to be associated with this show, it is a proud moment to see African inspired designs and designers in a specially planned show. To add my expertise in presenting the clothing is inspiring, I can’t wait to take to the runway.”
Clothing and jewellery designers will pay homage to their African ancestors and their roots through their fashion and flair alongside selections from various African countries. Local designers will be presenting side by side with authentic garments from various African countries. Design Houses from Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria will showcase at the event. A Pop Up shop – showcasing African accessories will also be open to patrons of the show.
A Sample of our Featured Designers
Ghanian Designer Ms. Josephine Hayford – Representing the African continent for the show will be designer, Josephine Hayford. Josephine walked into the world of fashion with an astonishing talent at age sixteen. Her family and friends urged her on as they realized her sense of style. With her natural “Beauty by Design Concept” it is no wonder that she won the best Young Entrepreneur of Ghana Association of Women Entrepreneurs in the year 1997- 2003. Today, her sense of style, which is key to her continuing strides and achievements in the industry, continues to make her the best producer of elegant, gorgeous and most stunning African wears for all ages for men, women and kids. She is “The outstanding female fashion designer” 2013-2014 awarded by Ghana Women’s Award. She is truly an icon of the fashion world of the 21st Century.
Tobagonian Designer Ms. Darriane Phillips, Euphoric Designs – We welcome to Qurux Africa, 23-year-old Darriane Phillips who hails from Scarborough Tobago. Darriane shares that she was always drawn to African/Tribal Prints, even before she started sewing and many have told her that she looks like an African Princess. Because of this she decided that her first collection must show her love for African Prints! The name of the collection was Maafrical Flair, which is essentially, My African Flair. This collection was featured at the Goodwood High School’s Annual Fashion Show in December 2015 and at Youth Voice’s Youth Appreciation Gala| Rooftop Experience. The second collection was named Euphoria as it represents the state of intense excitement derived during the creation of this collection. This collection was presented at the Trinidad & Tobago Fashion Week, which was held in May 2016.
Limited early bird tickets are currently available at the Emancipation Support Committee House 628-5008, or Hotel Normandie Box Office. Tickets cost $250 General Seating and Special Reserved seating at $300. The show starts at 4pm with a FREE cocktail hour with the opportunity to tour the Pop-up-booths showcasing traditional African accessories, jewellery, handbags and craft. Finger foods will be on sale.
For more information on Early Bird Specials and ticket sales Visit the ESC website at www.emancipationtt.com; our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emancipation-Support-Committee-ESC OR: ESCTT Secretariat at 628-5008 or 680-2483 or 680-5221.