the Broken but not Forgotten City

the Broken but not Forgotten City

My family moved to Jos, Nigeria when I was 11 years old. I remember looking out the car window from the back seat as we drove into the city, full of expectation and wondering what the city had in store for me. Driving past the backdrop of hills, the city looked so calm, peaceful and oozed serenity. 13 years later, it saddens me to think about the killings, the massacre, the loss and the sorrow that has become associated with the beautiful city. It is almost impossible to believe that the same city which holds a dear place in my heart; full of amazing childhood memories, has become a city where families have been violently torn apart and wrecked with grief. Currently, more than 500 people- mainly women and children- have been killed in the massacre that occurred in March. I constantly think about and pray for the survivors and victims of the violence that occurred. This is why it gladdened me to hear about Fashion for Jos, a charity event under Fashion for the Nations- which took place in May 2010 to help those dealing with the aftermath of the killings.

Organised by Estella Ogbona of Estella Couture, Fashion for Jos was not only a fund raising event for the victims but aimed to create awareness about genocide in Jos and Nigeria. It showcased beautiful designs made with Ankara fabric and pieces from fashion houses and designers such as Studio D-Maxsi, Asisat Edu, Editalo designs, Siasylmons Fashion, Shakara Boutique, and of course Estella Couture.

Photos by Sagat Studios

Image Credit: Sagat Studios

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With the poor health system in most African countries, more African designers need to take the approach that 'Fashion for the Nations' is taking. They need to blend Africa’s unique culture with fashion to raise funds for and awareness about the serious health issues in the continent.

Why not Fashion?

|You can also find Fashion for the Nations on Facebook!|
Source:
-NYTimes

Condom Couture

Condom Couture

Globally, 33.4 million adults (aged 15 and older) and 2.1 million children (under 15) were living with HIV/AIDS, as at the end of 2008. About 2.7 million people were newly infected. 67% of people living with HIV worldwide reside in Sub- Saharan Africa. For every 2 people starting HIV treatment, 5 become infected with the virus. More than 2 million deaths in 2008 were due to AIDS
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Her magnificent dresses are made completely of expired or defective condoms, rejected by industry quality tests. Inspired by HIV positive children she met while volunteering at GAPA- an HIV prevention group, this ingenious Brazilian designer realized she could use fashion for AIDS awareness and has been doing just that for about 13 years. She is none other than Adriana Bertini. Adriana Bertini designs innovative creations of colorful, beautiful and vibrant outfits. They are not meant to be worn but rather to raise awareness and promote the use of condoms as an important means to prevent HIV transmission. Her designs have shown up all over the world on fashion shows, at international AIDS conferences and as museum exhibits. This designer is making a difference. Already she has been able use her artistic designs to encourage parents to talk about sexuality with their children. In addition, all proceeds from the sales of her dresses go directly to HIV prevention and awareness organizations.

Adriana Bertini

Image Credit: Adriana Bertini

Image Credit: nogoodforme

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Designing a wedding gown out of 2000 condom wrappers, Project Runway’s Jack Mackenroth is another person using condom- inspired couture to raise awareness about AIDS/HIV. As an HIV positive designer, he uses fashion as a medium to promote safe sex. His signature piece was featured at a fashion show organized by Project Inform- a nonprofit AIDS/HIV advocacy organization.Sketch of the wedding dress designed by Jack Mackenroth (Photo: Jack Mackenroth)

Image Credit: Condomunity

Jack Mackenroth

Jack Mackenroth Wedding Dress

Image Credit: Jack Mackenroth

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In July 2007, to get people to start talking about sex in China, a show was held at the Fourth China Reproductive Health New Technologies and Products Expo. Organized by China's largest condom manufacturer, Guilin Latex Factory, the show aimed to promote the use of condoms in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The condom-inspired outfits were designed by students of Beijing Garment College in collaboration with Guilin Latex Condom Factory workers.

Beijing Fashion Show

Image Credit: BestPicStuff

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Ok, so I admit, these are probably a lil' bit much. But still, they get the message across and hold your attention- they are unforgettable. These are perfect examples of fashion being utilized as a tool for safe sex awareness. If the media, billboards, and pamphlets are being used to promote health awareness, well, why not fashion?

Source:
-UNAIDS 2009 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic
-UNAIDS- Brazilian Designer: condoms, basic as jeans, necessary as love