Saturday, December 15, 2012

AFRICA FASHION DAY BERLIN: CIAAFRIQUE INTERVIEWS THE FOUNDER BEATRACE ANGUT OOLA


Beatrace Angut Oola is the Founder & Director of Africa Fashion Day Berlin.Through “Africa Fashion Day Berlin” she invisions to create a network for fashion designers of the African Diaspora globally.“Africa Fashion Day Berlin” connects the fashion industries in Germany/Europe and Africa but also other nations. It is an event of African flair, esprit and glamour.  I was given the opportunity to interview her about few weeks ago and I was delighted learn more about this fab event which is going to take place in January 2012. Read full interview Below

Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself ?I'm a visionary who is trying to build a platform for designers of African heritage in Germany. My way of living is very modest. I do not need much, I prefer to get along with little. For me it is important to do what I love cause that makes you the happiest person on earth. What I cannot miss is My Ginger Tee. Wherever I go - ginger is with me :-). Whenever I have time I like to go out for dinner or just relax in a spa.

How did you come up with the idea of Africa fashion day Berlin ?I came up with idea, because I noticed in Germany the modern African Fashion scene is not well known. The society is not aware of the variety of the African Fashion Scene on the continent and the diaspora. I was asking myself why is that is the case? For me, New African Fashion belongs to the fashion industry and should be shown all over the world, therefore I just started to create a platform for Germany. 

I have highlighted the work of a few African designers based in Germany before, How is the fashion scene Berlin right now ?
The fashion scene in Berlin is bubbling. Berlin is very multicultural and therefore you see hip and funky stuff on the streets. Berlin Mitte is full of young creatives who are highlighting the fashion scene. Hackesche Hoefe is an area in Berlin Mitte that has become so well-known in the fashion world that it has boosted Berlin's reputation as one of Europe's most important fashion centers beside London and Paris.


What do you hope to achieve with Africa fashion Day Berlin ?
I want to show a different point of view. Africa has its design scene and this needs to be discovered African Fashion has a lot of variety from traditional, urban to high end fashion. I want to act as mediator so designers can build up business relationships between the fashion industry in Germany /Europe and Africa. Besides that I want arise awarness for "Made in Africa" products.


What do you think about the African fashion industry compared to 5 years ago ?
The African industry is on the rise. For example collections from Burberry or Vivian Westwood are influenced by african prints. A lot of different social media platforms like Ciaafrique, BellaNaijaAfrica Fashion Guide or publications through The Arise Magazine showed that African Fashion Fashion plays in the same level as Fashion from the western world. I can say, the society in Germany is ready for it and I think in a modern and cosmopolitan world, it is important to be international. 

Who are some of your favorite African designers right now ?
I have so many :-). Here are some Romero Bryan, Adama Paris, Stella Jean, Ashobi, or Gloria WavaMunno.

Any other projects you working on ?
Oh yes, my head never rests. I have a lot on my mind but it is not the time to mention it yet. 

Thank you for your time , I cannot wait to see photos of the events.

If you want to learn more about African fashion Day Berlin you can check out their facebook and website here

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