My African pride is on fire!!!!!! I had the pleasure of attending the ARISE fashion show on Thursday. I didn’t think I was going to see it. I missed the window to get an on the “list” and resolved to just miss it. One of my former students won tickets and invited me to attend. I was honored she thought of me. I was going to the show!
The who’s who of Black American Fashion was there and the beautiful African people were in the house! The lobby of Avery Fisher Hall was packed!
We got our tickets and parted ways since we weren’t seated together and as I followed the ushers lead, I was lead to the 4th row from the stage, smack in the center. My row mates were the infamous Ms Jay from ANTM and Nole Marin formerly of ANTM. In front of me was the author Terry McMillan and in front of her was June Ambrose. I was in good company!
The lights dropped, the music started and the fashion show began! I can’t remember the run of show but, here are pictures of the collections.
Here is a link to the video of the entire show! Watch it so you can feel the vibe of the evening! http://www.arisemagazine.net/made-in-africa-live
I couldn’t stop staring at the clothing. Such modern and current silhouettes with african fabrics, african inspired and “regular” fabrics. I wish this show was televised. The U.S. needed to see this! It broke every stereotype about what it means to be African. All Africans do not live in huts, have bones in their noses, don’t speak an unrecognizable language, swing from vines….should I go on? Having grown up with a West African mother and being around my extended family, I know better! I know more! Our fashion is much more than tie dye , kente and mud cloth!
I wanted young black children from around the world to be inspired! To dream! To create! I was definitely inspired! To do what I don’t know, LOL! Just inspired to continue being me, my African & white american self!
The show was fantastic! To top off the amazing fashion show, the beautiful Leona Lewis performed a 3 song set for the crowd. What a great evening.
I can’t wait to see what they’ll do next season. I hope you enjoy the photos and take the time to watch the video.
Gone Shopping…Be back soon!
This is amazing!! Thanks for sharing the link!!