|
Steph Mekwuye Models for Fair Trade Awareness
|
|
Nigerian born model Steph Mekwuye will be taking centre stage at the One World Fashion Show set to take place on Monday 16th October 2006 at Lux Nightclub; in a bid to encourage mainstream high street companies and retailers to stock FAIRTRADE certified garments.
Steph Mekwuye who has modelled for various Nigerian, South African and European designers including; Nobel, Jimi Delaja, Mon ami, Zizi Cardow, Bevista and Charisma, will be taking to the catwalk along with other professional models, wearing the latest FAIRTRADE certified clothing from Top UK Fair Trade suppliers such as; People Tree, Calico moon, Hug, Epona Sportswear, Gossypium and Bishopston Trading. The clothes on the night are already stocked in Topshop flagship London stores and Marks and Spencer, who also stock FAIRTRADE cotton t-shirts and underwear.
“Working in the fashion industry I have often heard this word ‘poverty’; it has become common and people have forgotten its meaning and impact, as a native of Africa, I have seen first hand how deeply this issue affects individuals. Through the emergence of fair-trade fashion it guarantees that the suppliers in developing countries get a better deal. |
Fair-trade clothing enables those in the fashion industry, as well as the general public to show their support for this positive initiative and help those who work so hard yet eat so little”. Steph Mekwuye Steph goes on to explain why this particular project is so important to her; “My heart truly goes out to producers that are not treated fairly. I have seen both worlds and although I have had the opportunity to travel to various countries, I have never forgotten that I come from a developing country. I often
remember those who work rigorously for long periods at a time that never take a break from their ''back bending’’ jobs all their lives.
They dig the soil, sow seeds, weave clothes and use their inspirations for us all to survive
and all their efforts go unrewarded.”
Harriet Lamb, CBE, Executive Director of the FAIRTRADE Foundation will be delivering the keynote speech for the evening.
There will be live entertainment and special guests include Mayor of Portsmouth Fred Charlton, Mayor of Gosport June cully and members of parliament.
|
