The social enterprise i Rock! UK announces the unveiling of the ‘Tribes of Africa’ show in May during its launch event at London’s Grange Hotel near Tower Bridge.
An alternative to global fashion showcase has been officially revealed after the organisers of the inaugural Tribes of Africa (TOA) show announced the arrival of the new platform for African haute couture.
The social enterprise iRock! UK, the UK-based charitable social enterprise which advocates for the social empowerment of women, yesterday unveiled plans of the fundraising fashion show which will feature the works of eight top African designers in London.
iRock! UK founder and director, Viola Ncube said: “We are calling our initiative ‘fashion with a mission’. We are aware of how fashion influences and inspires our society today and we know it can be instrumental to foster positive change for many young women whom we are working with and are in desperate need of opportunities to make something of their lives.
iRock! UK is a London based social enterprise which is focused on providing youth from ethnic minority backgrounds with mentoring and work placement opportunities.
Key supporters at the launch included property tycoon “Secret Millionaire”, Caroline Marsh, 2009 CNN Hero award winner Betty Makoni and London 2012 mayoral candidate, Siobhan Benita.
“Secret Millionaire”, Caroline Marsh, 2009 CNN Hero award winner Betty Makoni and London 2012 mayoral candidate, Siobhan Benita, all gave TOA a resounding thumps up and pledged to support iRock’s programmes.
Siobhan said: “As a devoted mother I spend a lot of time looking at ways see how children, especially girls can have better opportunities than I had growing up. We need to make more chance in improving the diversity situation and, in particular, gender equality, in the workplace and in society in general.
“I am excited of what iRock! UK has started and urge the corporate world and individuals to support this worthy cause,” she added.
At the core of iRock! UK’s aims are a dedication to see the healthy development of black women in the fields of business, art and education.
“I think this project is really relevant,” said Caroline. “Being in business I know that financial success needs to be sown back into communities. As things are, there is also no denying that there is a disparity to be addressed on young women’s issues whether they’re linked to education, business, careers and governance. iRock! UK and TOA will in a way kick-start that process,” she said.
The show which is scheduled to coincide with the Africa Day (May 25) celebrations in May, will include amongst others designers Nigeria’s Kemkem Studios, Chichia London from Tanzania, Ghanaian Beatrice K Newman, Tina Lobondi (Congo) and Stacey Kidega from Uganda.
Related Links:
iRock press launch - PA
iRock! UK holds press launch in London - Demotix
iRock! UK press launch - Citizenside
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Video stream of iRock launch