Dallas International Fashion Week 2016

After months of planning, the 2016 Dallas International Fashion Week was executed with near clinical precision; thanks to the City of Dallas and a very dedicated team. Trendy Africa Magazine and the City of Dallas presented a Fashion Showcase that primarily promotes culture and diversity through the showcase of International fashion. Ironically, the 4th edition held in the magnificent Music Hall at Fair Park Dallas which was directly opposite the venue of the inaugural edition in 2012; the African American Museum. The City of Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem/District 8, Erik Wilson, expressed his satisfaction with the event and ensured that the city would continue to support the vision.

The DIFW commenced on Thursday September 4th with a welcome reception in honor of sponsors, models and the organizing committee, which was hosted by the Africa Liaison officer for the City of Dallas; Regina Hill-Onyeibe. Day 2 featured a business round-table which was hosted by the World Affairs Council and featured top business leaders and diplomats who discussed and presented business opportunities with specific reference to participating African countries. The business round-table was closely followed by a comprehensive rehearsal of the fashion show at the venue.

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The Music hall at Fair Park Dallas was the center of all activities on Day 3; 4th of September 2016. Models, Make-up artists and co-ordinators arrived the venue on schedule to ensure a flawless event. The event commenced at 5pm with an exhibition of international products by about 15 vendors. Doors to the imposing theatre opened at 6.30pm while the drums literally rolled at 7pm with the parade of flags by the participating 12 designers. The parade featured fashion accessories by designer Tony Wuu. Dallas based Mandinka drummers gave a powerful dance drama rendition just as Regina Hill Onyeibe of the City of Dallas and Tosan Aduayi; founder of the Dallas International Fashion concept stepped out on stage, introduced the show and welcomed the hosts, the pair of; radio personality Lynne Haze and entertainer Yaz Ibekwe.

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The fashion showcase commenced with designers; Marta Ruiz (Colombia), Konjo Collections (USA) and Takai (Nigeria). Robert Muruli from Kenya gave a presentation titled; “where Fashion Meets Culture” which was then followed by designers; FDE Collection (Kenya), DEW (South Asia) and Jotees (Nigeria). Poet Zemill took the mic with a poetic rendition which was followed wit a presentation by Bianca M. Casanova Anderson (Border Crossers).

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Designers Silk thread (India) and Nick Rose (Nigeria) continued to entertain the audience with their unique presentations. Agnes Nkatha (Timalechi Nursery School of Malawi) took the stage to explain efforts her group has taking to empower school children by building an enabling environment for their education and providing safe drinking water. The Vice President of Arik Air Robert Brunner took a moment to present a pair of FREE round trip tickets to Nigeria to a lucky raffle winner. This was closely followed by the designers Senard (Ghana), Blokes N Divas (Nigeria) and Tekay designs (Liberia) whose presentation was the climax of a great evening. Budding musician Qswyft also entertained with an energetic musical performance.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

Masije Oil and Integrated Services

City of Dallas

Moneygram

Arik Air

VMP

Afrique Carrib

Mercy Flawless

DIF COMMITTE: Regina Hill Onyeibe (Director), Tosan Aduayi, Michael Majok, Tara Blackmon, Agnes Nkatha, Teddy Legbedion, Sainabou Manneh, May Olusola, Danielle McClelland, Sharon Oyedeji




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