Worried by the low level of consciousness towards fashion in Rivers State, the government led by Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi said it has concluded arrangement to resuscitate the subsector. In line with that, the government in conjunction with three companies, namely Neo-Mantra, Bunor Creazioni and Vanguard Allure have planned a 3-day fashion show, tagged Native & Vogue Port Harcourt International Fashion Week to actualize that vision.
Speaking in a pre-media chat in Port Harcourt to flag-off the fiesta, the Commissioner for Information, Mrs Ibim Seminatari said Rivers State used to be a choice place in fashion before the military incursion in government. She described fashion as one of the areas of engaging excess energy. The Information Commissioner said the Native & Vogue Week will showcase the trendy fashion globally to thrill the people of Rivers State, noting that Rivers People are very proud and fashionable. According to her, Native & Vogue will re-enact that culture. “The idea is to bring the Rivers culture, outside one and international and blend them for better result. Mrs Seminatari said the array of partners is to get the best in the fashion industry. She charged the people, especially the youths to cash on the opportunity offered by this show to better their lot and work themselves to limelight.
She told the gathering that Agbani Darego, the former world beauty queen is fully involved in the programme.
Also speaking, Mrs Jokotade Adamu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information expressed confidence that by this fashion show, Rivers State will become the envy of other states. She said the show will unveil how ornaments from Rivers State are used in fashion.
In their separate speeches, the partners’ representatives expressed satisfaction that the Chibuike Amaechi led government has by this fashion show decided to give the people of the State an opportunity to make a change in the fashion world. They noted that the programme will enable fashion designers and others to partake in the show, pointing out that the programme is unique. They urged every Rivers person to participate in the show, expressing confidence that the experience will be rewarding. The programme is slated for Saturday 20th of this month in Port Harcourt.
Barth Ndu
