An Adventure Through African Culture and Time

On January 14, 2010, the African Students Association of the University of Calgary presented Roc The Runway, a fashion fundraiser that swept through the ages on a cool journey spanning the world.

We traveled from the 1970’s to Africa in full circle, to the ultra modern world of hip urban fashion. There were shades of Russian style versus Victorian style and modern elegance.

Models sauntered down the runway captivated by the vocals of Yolanda Sargeant. Sargeant would steal the show singing between designers and during the event.

Cherry Chic would lead the show and what a start!  Valrie Powell, head designer at Cherry Chic took us on a flashback trip to the 1970’s.

The 70’s were a time of swirling colors and funky cool designs and patterns. A stand out was a dress with swirling reds and black pattern. The choice of patterns and color were impeccable. Cherry Chic’s eveningwear focused on the silhouette of a woman. Black outfits presented a beautiful shadow. The dresses had clean lines and hugged the form of the model well. Evening-wear presented by Cherry Chic was a big hit and certainly would catch the eye at a big social event.

Trendy Strands whisked us away to an African dream. The audience was held captive in bliss for a few minutes with their beautiful long dresses with texture and color. Many had long sleeves and all had intricately stitched collars or necklines. The Nigerian designers pride themselves on importing fabric and patterns from Nigeria and Ghana.

Long flowing dresses of greens and nature hues took the breath away. The stitching on the waistlines immaculate. Wide belts and waists coupled with muted colors and unique patterns showed parts of what is best in African designs and style.

The Trendy Strand label evokes powerful images of Africa even to those who have never touched the ground there.

Mandeez ‘Xclusif was third up and the line was a mixture of leather and sparkle. Short skirts matched with tight leather tops were a common theme. One red form fitting cocktail dress caught the eye and the glitter-laced wide straps added a nice contrast to it that worked.

Diella Ocran brought took us to the world of street and urban coolness with her hand stitched pieces. The collection contained a line of hoodies with hand painted art on the back.

N.R.T Fashions closed the show taking us back in time and across the oceans to a Russian fantasy. The evening couture wear was very clean with black and white colors.

Two pieces that stood out in the labels non-eveningwear were a fusion piece where Victorian met naughtiness. It was a beautiful somber black Victorian dress with a gorgeous red silk corset laced with black strapping. The shoulders and bodice were white lace and came up to cover the face of the model. N.R.T Fashion closed the line with a Russian piece that featured a high collar of fur and a stunning jacket with long chains as fasteners. It certainly fit the theme of Russia, Rasputin and fantasy.

Money raised from the event went to the Calgary Bridge Foundation, Black History awareness events and Haitian relief.

Words by Paul Spenard.

Photography: © Faby Martin 2010 & © David Austin 2010