H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan, Ambassador of Armenia.
By Roy Lie Atjam.
The month of March has long has been considered as the month of La francophonie. The month’s observances not only place significant emphasis on the French language but also everything that pertains to France. French-speaking countries are not the only members of la francophonie.
In fact, many countries that have had some affiliation with the Francosphere in the past, which would not only include the use of the language, but also all connections with the French historical or cultural space. Individuals, therefore, who are greatly fond of France or French language and culture are considered to be Francophiles.
Armenia and the Armenians have a longstanding relationship with France and the French language. Armenia’s Ambassador in the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan, organized a reception and fashion show to celebrate a Journée Internationale de la francophonie on 15 March 2019.
The venue that was selected to host the event is La Maison D’Armeni in Rotterdam. The focus of this year ‘s celebration is on responsible fashion.
The evening featured the Armenian designers, Armeni Tovmasjan, founder of design studio Maison d’Armeni and Gayane Manukyan and her gorgeous brand Just Black.
“Just Black is a bridge which not only unites all the colours together but is also a symbolic colour of unified strength of all the Armenian diaspora spread in the world. It unites the past and the future, Diaspora with Armenia, and traditional knowledge with modern technology in the industry of fashion” says the creator of the collection – Gayane Manukyan
Gayane aims at promoting Black as a positive colour and changing the stereotypes of people regarding it through utilization of modern understanding of fashion and international standards.
Ambassador Balayan, warmly welcomed his guests, he stated, “ for Armenia, it is not only an organization, a country club,it is first and foremost a possibility of openness towards the world, a possibility to deepen the relations with the francophone family”
His special guest was the Mayor of the international city of Rotterdam Mr. Ahmed Aboutaleb, a Francophile. Furthermore, Ambassadors from Austria, Egypt, Moldovia, Tunisia, a diplomat from the Russian Federation, the business community, Mr. Bernard Bos from Shell, the Armenian diaspora and many others were on hand to enjoy the festivities.
After the welcome remarks by Ambassador Balayan, the Mayor of Rotterdam, Mr.Ahmed Aboutaleb addressed the gathering.
The Rotterdam vocalist Glenda, was accompanied by a guitarist and their outstanding performance greatly contributed to the success of the fashionable Armenian evening.
