Zambian fashion designer Towani Clarke has described last week's Fibre Fashion 2011 in Mauritius in which she participated as a success.
Clarke, who was invited to showcase her label Kutowa Designs and represent the country at the Fibre Fashion 2011 organised by Origin Africa, said in an interview with the Weekend Post that the event had been an eye-opener.
“It was a beautiful experience. The organisation of the occasion was very good and that it was nice to meet as well as learn from other African fashion designers,” she said.
She said the show had three judges from the US and two from Africa (Cameroon and South Africa).
The fashion show which took place from March 16 to 18 under the theme ‘Celebrating the spirit, style and innovation of modern Africa’ showcased the designs of 20 African fashion designers.
The designers worked alongside leaders in the African textile and apparel industry to design clothing with commercial appeal and African flair.
The concept of the Fibre Fashion 2011 in Mauritius was meant to highlight the creativity and innovation of the African cotton, textile and clothing industries and raise the profile of the continent as a source of supply of cotton textile products and fabrics.
The event brought business leaders and decision makers from 20 countries cross Africa, providing opportunity for international buyers to establish contacts with African designers.
Last November, Origin Africa in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development Competitiveness and Trade Expansion Programme (USAID COMPETE) organised the Swahili Fashion Week and provided talented designers with the platform to showcase their creativity and skill.
Origin Africa is a global awareness campaign to change perceptions about doing business in Africa.