By Sunday Oyinloye, West Africa Editor.
Africa commonly referred to as the cradle of civilization has its own challenges just like other continents. In the face of these challenges however are the continent’s rich cultural heritage and fashion which literally are hidden treasures. The continent has a lot to offer the world, but the problems confronting Africa seem to have over-shadowed its potentials.
To many who are not familiar with the continent, the story of Africa is all about war, famine, disease, crime, illiteracy, corruption and underdevelopment. Yes Africa is faced with these challenges but great things are also coming from the continent many of which are not reported or under-reported.
The birth of what is today known of Africa Fashion Week Amsterdam (AFWA) could be traced to a conscious effort to correct misconception about the continent and also showcase her brand in the fashion world in a manner that will appeal to the rest of the world.
Behind this is Diana Tambe Blackpearl, award-winning fashion designer, model, stylist who Fashion Tv has named “The blackpearl of the fashion world”.
In 2011 Diana Tambe launched her first Red carpet clothing line under the label Blackpearrl’s Secrets. In the same year, she introduced the first and sole Africa Fashion Week Amsterdam because of her dream to create a platform for Africa and African inspired fashion, culture and art in the Netherlands and Diaspora. This she did because she believes there is always room for new talents and innovative minds.
She designs high-end designs mostly for celebrities but occasionally also designs for the general public and retailers. Turning dream into reality, Diana Tambe and her team organized the first Africa Fashion Week, Amsterdam in 2014 at the World Fashion Centre which was hosted by a foremost African Actor, Ramsey Nouah. Since then the 26 year old who became a model at the age of 16 has never looked back as she successfully organized the second edition of Africa Fashion Week, Amsterdam in 2015 while preparation is in top gear for the third edition.
The Cameroon born Diana who has lived in the Netherlands since 2004 spoke with Diplomat Magazine about her motivation as well as what should be expected at this years Africa Fashion Week, Amsterdam.
According to her AFWA is an event focused on exhibiting the beauty of African couture, art and fashion to a European and global audience. AFWA is helping fashion designers at every stage of their career to showcase their creativity and talent on a global stage, thereby boosting the intercultural exchange between Africa and the Dutch
She explains further: “it strives to support designers, primarily through event management of fashion shows, catwalk displays, workshops and network meetings. It allows designers to express their creativity within a professionally produced event environment.”
“Like the previous fashion weeks we had in 2014 and 2015, the 2016 edition of Africa Fashion Week Amsterdam will bring together African designers, models, stylists and stake holders in the African fashion industry in and outside Europe to showcase the best that Africa has to offer in the fashion industry.”
“Visitors and media can expect to see a multi-cultural and talent rich celebration of African lifestyle and talent. From networking events and press days to over twenty-two fashion shows, the 2016 Fashion Week will culminate with an interactive award ceremony which will celebrate new talents and launch Africa Fashion Week Amsterdam’s affiliated magazine publication.”
She disclosed that the event will contribute a percentage of its profit towards her foundation known as The Diana Tambe Foundation, a charitable body seeking to promote, maintain and improve levels of healthcare, education, training and provision of facilities within the African community.
The Chief Executive Officer of Africa Fashion Week Amsterdam believes it is time for Africa to showcase whatever she has to the rest of the world in order to “correct many negative thoughts about the continent”
Diana’s dream and efforts may be the right step in the right direction. The reason for this is simple .The image of Africa needs to be showcased in a positive way and the best people to make this happen are the youth ,under which category this model and designer falls. For now, the world continues to wait for a new and emerging Africa.
