LOS ANGELES, May 3, 2010 / FW/ — Bringing a new and fresh aesthetics to contemporary African style, “I Wear Africa” fashion show brought a positive spotlight on Africa and Africans.
Produced by African Vibes magazine, the runway show was held on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the Avalon in Hollywood with international superstar and singer Awilo Longomba — known as the “King of Techno-Soukous Music” as celebrity catwalker, shaking his hips and gyrating across the runway as the evening’s special musical guest.
The magazine honored Awilo and celebrity fashion designer and “Project Runway” alum Korto Momolu with a Diamond Award for uplifting their African heritage through music and fashion.
The designers who participated in the “I Wear African” fashion show included Sheila Denanyoh (Ghana) of Ill-la-la Designs; Arthlene Legair (Dominica, West Indies) of the Legair Brand; Kahindo Mateene (Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC) of Modahnik; Maryanne E. Mokoko and Stephanie T. Mouapi (Cameroon) of Côté Minou; Mekdes Tefera Taye (Ethiopia); jewelry designer Monalisa Okojie (Nigeria) of NEHITA and Christiane King (Ivory Coast), who is a contestant on this season’s “Project Runway.”
A special highlight of the evening was the presentation by Liberian-born Korto Momolu, who showed pieces from her fall 2010 Collection — the Korto Momolu Collection.
Viewers will remember the Liberian-born Momolu as a finalist and fan favorite on season five of “Project Runway.” In February, she debut her first post-show collection during New York Fashion Week. Currently, Momolu has a signature handbag and jewelry line exclusively designed for Dillard’s Department Stores and Dillards.com.
Blond and blinged out, Awilo gave a stirring performance, singing in both French and English, and showing why he is the most wanted Congolese artist on the African continent and Europe.
The event was hosted by actress/filmmaker Tangi Miller. Miller is best known for the role of the smart, spirited and stylish Elena Tyler on the J.J. Abrams hit show, “Felicity.” She also recognized the winner of the $1,000 Ideas Contest created by African Vibes magazine in partnership with its Gold sponsor, Keller Graduate School of Management.
[MARIKIT YAMATO]
Photos courtesy of Felix Saltzman/LookbookLA.com
