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