Africans
are painting the world in a kaleidoscope of bold,
eye-catching colors and patterns, and it's become
contagious. For the past 5 years, an African
"Fashion Parade" has enhanced the Annual ATA
International Congress. At the ATA Congress in
Addis Ababa, there were fashion shows on two of the
special evenings arranged by the host committee. At
the Addis Hilton, I was prompted to get into the
act, and was on stage at an event sponsored by
Webisco of Nigeria, again featuring the styles of
Chief Margaret Fabiyi. At Africa Travel
Magazine's office in the trendy Gastown area of
Vancouver, Canada, our staff and volunteers wear
African caps and tops most of the time and are
proud of it. At trade shows, special events and
conventions we usually go all out.
Unlike in
North America, fashion
in Tanzania and most of the continent is a
universal expression. The African look has no size,
height, weight or age barrier; it's everyone's
domain. Guys, throw away your drab, boring grays
and step into a creation that will make your day
and light up your night. As the Gillette jingle
used to say, look sharp, feel sharp, be sharp!
Another point in favor of African clothing; it's
built for comfort, each piece makes a unique
statement and is worn with pride. We've seen
hundreds of delegates and guests dressed to the
nines, yet like snowflakes, no two outfits are
exactly alike. Dressed in her African finery,
Elyse White of ATA New York Chapter was
belle of the ball; few would believe she is past
90. In Africa, she has found her own "fountain of
youth" reflected by an upbeat attitude. In our
opinion, Travel and fashion go together like
bananas and cream. The "Upbeat African look" is not
limited to evening wear or special events, it's
expressed in a variety of ways. For instance our
photo of delegates on safari makes its own point;
you can look your best on the desert or Savannah,
just as you can at a convention or cocktail
party.
Group from US East Coast
Chapters at the gala Awards Night,
ATA 26th congress, Cape
Town.
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