|
ATA
Fashion Parade made its debut in Arusha,
Tanzania
by
Jerry W. Bird
The
first of what has become an popular annual affair
at every ATA sponsored Congress or Symposium, was
held at the Impala Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania in
1998. The organizers, Chief Margaret Fabiyi
(right) and Helen Broadus, didn't use the usual
bevy of pouty, long-legged pencil slim models; ATA
members became the stars as a group of ten or
twelve ladies and guys exhibited an eye-popping
array of fashion finery. Peter Janssen of
Inter-Continental Hotels and Gaynelle Henderson
Bailey (below) showcase an attractive black &
gold combination. ATA's first Fashion Show
represented a cultural mix of Eastern, Western and
Southern African textiles and creations.
Africans
are painting the world in a kaleidoscope of bold,
eye-catching colors and patterns, and it's become
contagious. For the past 5 years, an African
"Fashion Parade" has enhanced the Annual ATA
International Congress. At the ATA Congress in
Addis Ababa, there were fashion shows on two of the
special evenings arranged by the host committee. At
the Addis Hilton, I was prompted to get into the
act, and was on stage at an event sponsored by
Webisco of Nigeria, again featuring the styles of
Chief Margaret Fabiyi. At Africa Travel
Magazine's office in the trendy Gastown area of
Vancouver, Canada, our staff and volunteers wear
African caps and tops most of the time and are
proud of it. At trade shows, special events and
conventions we usually go all out
.
Unlike
in North America, fashion
in Tanzania and most of the continent is a
universal expression. The African look has no size,
height, weight or age barrier; it's everyone's
domain. Guys, throw away your drab, boring grays
and step into a creation that will make your day
and light up your night. As the Gillette jingle
used to say, look sharp, feel sharp, be sharp!
Another point in favor of African clothing; it's
built for comfort, each piece makes a unique
statement and is worn with pride. We've seen
hundreds of delegates and guests dressed to the
nines, yet like snowflakes, no two outfits are
exactly alike. Dressed in her African finery,
Elyse White
of ATA New York Chapter was belle of the ball; few
would believe she is past 90. In Africa, she has
found her own "fountain of youth" reflected by an
upbeat attitude. In our opinion, Travel and fashion
go together like bananas and cream. The "Upbeat
African look" is not limited to evening wear or
special events, it's expressed in a variety of
ways. For instance our photo of delegates on safari
makes its own point; you can look your best on the
desert or Savannah, just as you can at a convention
or cocktail party.
Group from US East
Coast Chapters at the gala Awards Night,
ATA 26th congress, Cape Town.

|