FASHION FOR A CAUSE

If there’s anything in this world I love it’s FASHION, and if there’s anything I believe in, It’s Charity. When these 2 things come together, I am always overwhelmed with pride and joy.

Here are TWO of the Charity organizations that participated in this phenomenon during XMAS of ’06.

AIPA (Against Illiteracy Poverty and AIDS) is non-governmental organization formed by four college students in the United States of America Gozie Coker (Baylor University) , Isioma Coker (Baylor University) & Ify Egbunike (Howard University), Fona Osunloye (Farleigh Dickinson University) driven to make a change in their society.

The first event they had was called FUSION – showcased up and coming fashion designers, musicians, dancers and the current headliner in Nigerian music and comedy. It was targeted at the youth in an attempt to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and to give everyone an opportunity to give back in their own way. FUSION was a great success, they raised over two and a half million naira from just ticket sales, and the money donated a million naira to the Women’s Health, Education and Development Organization (WHED)

Some designers Featured at the show are:

Amaka Osakwe

Motara Thomas

DSPN (Do Sumthing Positive Nigeria) is a non governmental body set out to encourage youths to make positive changes in Nigeria, with a focus on bad roads. It is founded by, Dumebi Agbakoba who was recently featured in Sons and Daughter of Thisday by Chude

DSPN thought it would be nice gesture to host their event at the Friends of the Disabled Charity, Lagos Island, Nigeria bringing Christmas to them because they are not as fortunate as us to have presents. The event featured a noon of fun, dance, drama and top notch entertainment coupled with a fashion show which will showcase the designs of young fashion designers.

DSPN website HERE

Young fashion designers include:

Dakou Collection

Steve Ray

WHAT’S NEXT?
On September 15, 2007 RUNWAY AFRICA is scheduled to hold, it works to highlight and support the creativity and highly marketable lines of African fashion designers while generating greater awareness of Africa’s booming fashion industry in international circles. This year Runway africa supports Keep a child alive

Designers to be featured are:
Blokes ‘n’ Divas and Ruby for the show Harriet’s Alter Ego, bebenoir and some more!!

Featured Model: Angela Asare, the 6”2’ Ghanaian contestant at Miss Universe 2006 and winner of Miss Congeniality.

FUN FACTS:
The Model in the red ribbon dress is Adeola Ariyo, Finalist of Nokia face of africa 2005, She is wearing an AIDS inspired dress by Amaka Osakwe. She is signed to Faith Model Agency to see her portfolio click HERE

So what do you think of this phenomenon, are fashion shows becoming overrated?

I’m also sorry for not being able to do my regular weekend luv, I forgot my charger!…but it’ll be back this weekend!!

Much Love

~ BELLA ~