The fact that big name editors, top international bloggers and celebs are
so proud of sitting in the front row of the “Big Four" fashion-week shows indicates that the whole idea of fashion, by its
nature, is hierarchical, which means only the elite fashion circle is
entitled to enjoy the privilege of watching the glamorous world of
high-end fashion on stage at a close distance. Exuding the democratic
and harmonious spirit of traditional African culture, the African
fashion night co-hosted by Amina Lamarre, the French-African businesswoman turned amateur fashion designer and the French jewelry
designer Virginie Villa was like a breath of fresh air among the
status oriented fashion occasions. The event taking place in Amina's
Makumba Africa Lounge, the first authentic African bar in Hong Kong (she has been running Makumba since I first met her a few years ago in Hong Kong) was open to all, regardless of social background or status, title, occupation or age.
While waiting for the show to start, the guests could feel free to
enjoy moving their hips to the passionate African live music while
sipping a drink.
Not
a big fan of dancing? The venue was lavishly decorated with brightly
colored African handcrafted works. The guests could leisurely browse
the beautiful displays of African fabrics, wood and other colorful
handmade works and kept themselves in a delightful mood for the show.
More guests flocked to the bar fifteen minutes before the show started. After a short while the music stopped and the MC came onto the stage
to announce the start of the show with a
speech in praise of the designers' creativity and the beauty of the
models. Wows could be heard as each model came out in her stunning
look. The models did not grace a typical runway; they catwalked
through the audiences showing warm smiles and friendly gestures and
welcoming close-up snapshots by the crowd. The African fashion show
was all about everyone, no matter who they are enjoying and
participating in a fun and fabulously chic party on an equal basis. So who cares about Anna Wintour?
To read the full article "African Fashion Show in Hong Kong: All Are Equal; All Are Welcome!" please click on La Mode by GV Miao - an Oriental Perspective.