Sixteen out of thirty-one emerging design talents have been selected as semi-finalists for the Swahili Fashion Week (SFW) 2010 Emerging Designer of the Year Award.
The selection was held on September 29th 2010 at the Southern Sun Hotel. Three of Tanzania’s renowned designers Manju Msitta of Smart Afrika Design Label, Charles Washoma, CEO of African Life assurance and One of Dar es Salaams Fashionable man and Director of arts Nsao Shalua of Baraza la Sanaa la Taifa (National arts Council) served as judges.
The semi-finalists will be reduced to 8 after another round of competitions for the prestigious title during Swahili Fashion Week to be held on November 4th, 2010.
Swahili Fashion week Fashion Coordinator Washington Benbella Commented “The response has been tremendous, and the Zeal and zest shown by the amazing talent we have in this country is phenomenal, but the journey of those who weren’t selected should not end here and not give up on their passion”
The semi-finals selections are Zarina Suleiman, Pooja Narendrakumar Jeshang, Abduel Urasa, ShaibMfaume, Annette Ngogi, Mwajabu Sadiki, Diana Malenge, Mgece Makory, Omary Bundalah, Kelvin Boniface, Subira Rahma Wahure, Nadia. A. Ahmed, Angelina Muna, Jacqueline Chipeta, Bami Musese and Grace Kijo.
The judges were looking at various criteria to choose the candidates based upon the designers ability to sketch, sketch attractiveness, creativity, color and thematic relation.
Swahili Fashion Week is a platform for designers – both fashion and accessory – from Swahili speaking countries to showcase their creativity, market their art and network with their clientele. This is all aimed at promoting fashion as an income generating, job creating industry while emphasizing a “Made in East Africa “concept.
Initiating a dynamic and promising platform for the fashion industry in the region, Swahili Fashion Week is geared towards being the most sought out after fashion platform in Eastern Africa for the international market.
The third annual Swahili Fashion Week will take this November in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
The competition, now in its third year has no age limit, and was open to anyone who believes he or she has the creative talent to be a fashion designer. “Swahili Fashion week is the perfect platform for a designer to showcases his creation, and the emerging designers competition, is a stage to jump start off ones career.” Added Mustafa Hassanali Swahili Fashion Week organizer.
~Mustafa Hassanali/Swahili Fashion Week
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