The Mile 18 neighbourhood in the South West Regional capital, Buea was alive last Saturday April 14 as it hosted the first ever edition of the Fredash International Annual Fashion Avenue (FIAFA) 2012.
The red carpet fashion show organised by Buea-based Fredash Modelling Agency was a peculiar event that aimed at bringing young models and designers together so as to market them internationally. Highlights of the one-day event included a competition and prize award to local fashion designers to boost their activities as well as a fashion exhibition by internationally acclaimed designers from Senegal, Mali, Nigeria and Cameroon that spiced the evening.
As early as 5 pm, fashion parade lovers thronged the venue while designers both from home and abroad were busy installing their products, preparing the models and putting finishing touches prior to the big event. Having turned out in their numbers, it was rather difficult to distinguish between spectators and actors. Given that everyone appeared in his or her best, especially for the photo session on the red carpet. Finally, the ball was set rolling for the start of the evening’s activities.
The fashion parade was arranged in phases. The first was by five local designers who competed with one another. The next stage involved other renowned guests designers based in Yaounde and Douala; and lastly, internationally-acclaimed fashion designers from Mali, Senegal and Nigeria concluded the show. For over five hours, the public was thrilled by an exhibition of traditional, classical and other dress patterns.
The day was underscored by a show of expertise revealed through the carefully selected colours and professionally-cut designs that were exhibited, most of which were being seen for the very first time by the people. This was interwoven with musical animation, short speeches by partner and sponsor companies who contributed to the success of the project. The audience could hardly remain indifferent as they shouted most of the time. Some could be heard arguing about a particular pattern or whispering the names of their favourite top models as they cat walked on the aisle.
The designers took home different honorary awards. Petit Tendance received the best local designer prize; Johnny Claude was crowned FIAFA 2012 patron, while Eweli Helen was designated best top model. Certificates of participation were given to all those who attended. Disclosing future prospects, the organisers said the event is intended to hold annually, and FIAFA 2013 is slated for the same month next year.
