Kenya::Fashion for Peace

19 Apr

The Festival for African Fashion and Arts (FAFA) was born out of a tragedy; the post-election blood spillage that took a grip on Kenya in December 2007 / January 2008. Despite this, FAFA takes a positive approach to building the future, whilst honouring the need to heal the wounds of the past which continue to haunt the nation.

As the name suggests, FAFA is not limited to Kenyan borders, and seeks to use fashion and the arts as a tool to build bridges between people and bring awareness to fair trade and support for talented African designers to get their creations in global markets.

Given its success last year, Fashion for Peace 2009 is set to take place on 25 April 2009 in Nairobi National Park.

FAFA aims to change perceptions of other communities one mind at a time by exploring and bridging cultures through fashion, art and music.

FAFA’s founding principles:

There is unity in diversity

Positive change comes when we stop focusing on the negative and encourage the inspiring and the positive

Africa deserves to have a light shone on the talent and creative energy which exists on the continent

Designer Pathe’O from Côte d’Ivoire in foreground at Fashion for Peace 2008, Nairobi ÓFAFA

The fashion show will be supported by other creative events such as musical performances as well as a Designer Master classes which will provide an exchange forum to look at innovative ways of developing African fashion and having it further penetrate worldwide markets.

Funds raised support the Alternatives to Violence Project, building non-violence skills and helping people process recent events in affected communities around Kenya.

Designer Master Class starts on Thursday 23rd April, 6.30pm at the Goethe Institute, Nairobi. Panelists include Kofi Ansah (Ghanaian designer, selling haute couture worldwide), Joan Karanja (CEO COFTA – African fair trade association) and Muchiri Wahome (MD Deacons, retailer of Woolworths, Truworths, Mr Price).

Topic: “Make Trade Fair” in relation to the fashion industry.