Organisers of Africa Fashion Week Ayor Chuot, Nasutu Mbewe, Candice Maberly and Carla van der Walt.
Camera IconOrganisers of Africa Fashion Week Ayor Chuot, Nasutu Mbewe, Candice Maberly and Carla van der Walt. Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie        www.communitypix.com.au d450205

Model designs fashion event

Belinda CiprianoEastern Reporter

The 27-year-old, who has called Perth home for 10 years and was discovered by Scene Model Management at 19, said she hoped the event to start next February would be positive for her community.

Ms Chuot, who has travelled all over the world modelling for international brands including Chanel and Givenchy, said she was disappointed there was no outlet for her community to showcase their talent.

With a lack of options, she set about organising an AFWP launch night in Balcatta last month with designer friend Candice Maberly to showcase the talent of African designers and models in Perth.

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“There are Africa Fashion Weeks all over the world, including Australia, but nothing here in Perth so I wanted to change that,” Ms Chuot said.

“We have so many beautiful women in Perth from diverse backgrounds, but they don’t feature in a lot of shows here.

“For every 20 blonde models there are two African models and I wanted to give young African women the opportunity to go down this path if they wanted to.

“At the moment, there really isn’t anything for them if they are looking to get into this industry so I am hoping this event will change this.”

Showcasing labels and local boutiques including Be Africa, Concrete Ambition, Big Boyz, Mama Africa and Africa Style and Beauty, Mrs Maberly, of Bayswater, said she was happy she and her label Concrete Ambition would form part of the inaugural three-day event.

She said Perth had a huge multicultural community, but not many people knew of the local boutiques and designers paving their way in the community.

“When Ayor approached me I told her it is a great idea, it’s what Perth could have on its calendar and be a wonderful asset,” Mrs Maberly said.

Ms Chuot, who lost her father to war and came to Perth with her family as a refugee, said she took every opportunity presented to her, including this event, as a way to better her life and inspire others.

“My life would be very different if we had not come to Perth,” she said. “I try to grab every opportunity that comes my way and hope to inspire others in similar situations.”

And while the event is titled Africa Fashion Week Perth, Ms Chuot said she hoped all cultures would open their hearts and minds to experience the beauty and colour of Africa.

The duo is looking for sponsors, designers, models and committee members. Anyone interested can contact Ms Chuot at www.facebook.com/ Africa-Fashion-Week-Perth-AFWP.