Many Cameroonian youths have made fashion one of their priorities.

‘Pokello shoes’ as they are commonly called by fashion lovers, got their name from famous former Big Brother Africa housemate, Pokello Pornello a Tanzanian shoe-addict. These shoes are said to be produced and named after various female housemates of the famous Big Brother Africa show. The unique design of the shoes has made youths have a deep yearning to own a pair.

The shoes come in 13 different colours; white, black, red, navy, gold, silver, blue, mint, yellow, pink, malt, Monroe and tropical selly. It is either in a very steep 12 cm-high for the daring fashionistas or a simple 10 cm-high for those who are comfort-conscious.

Many youths, especially female university students, love these shoes because of their originality and designs that enable them to wear with any kind of dress, be it African or casual wear. This has led to high sales rate of about 65percent in places like Buea and Douala.

Mony Mbitock, 20-year-old student of the University of Buea said she admires Pokello shoes. “I love the shoes because they are comfortable, of high quality, original and above all, the latest in fashion.” “These shoes can be worn during the day or at night depending on how you blend the various colours with your dressing,” explained another youth.

However, some youths who love these shoes are unable to afford them. They complain that the shoes are expensive. The cost of a pair of Pokello shoes ranges from FCFA 10,000 to FCFA 15,000 due to high demand and originality.