Colombia focuses on African designers at fashion show

Colombia has held its first Africa Fashion Week – featuring designers from across the continent and the diaspora. Organisers are hoping to make the event an annual one, to showcase Africa’s various cultures through fashion.



It’s the first of its kind to be held in Colombia, and the venue is at the famous Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira – located 180 metres underground in Cundinamarca.



“Africa Fashion Week is an event where you won’t only find fashion and physical beauty, but also soul and social inclusion,” Tatiana Laguado, spokesperson for the Cathedral, told CGTN.



The event showcases colourful prints in classic styles.



“I am bringing a new collection with some trends that African people are using nowadays with very odd colours, tropical colours that represent the lives of the millions of African people nowadays,” said fashion designer Rui Lopes.



Organisers say they want to break down any colour barriers – and celebrate Africa’s contribution to the global fashion industry.



“African women are splendid, with beautiful skin. We’re celebrating that beauty,” said Belky Arizala, the event organiser.



“It’s evident through the designs, the fabrics, the beading, the intricate embroideries. Each of these express the unique “Africaness” of the designers.”



There is also a charitable aspect to the show – it aims to increase awareness about cancer.

Giving women who have survived the disease the opportunity to share their stories during the event.