Havana, May 8 (EFE).- Color, Caribbean and the dialogue between tradition and modernity are the ingredients of the bets that the 16 young designers who participate this week in a Unesco training program took to the catwalk.
The initiative, financed by the European Union (EU), seeks to promote the fashion industry in the Caribbean through the promotion of its young people and includes workshops, consultancies, conferences and visits to fashion studios and stores in Havana.
But the highlight of the event was the ‘Fashion in da House’ parade featuring the clothing and accessories of these young people from eight countries in the courtyard of the National Museum of Fine Arts, in the historic center of Havana.
“This is the second time I am in Cuba, but it will be the most special because I present my collection of dresses “MEst-HIZO”; a tribute to my culture focused on embroidery,” Belizean designer Ronelli Requena told EFE.
The colorful catwalk exhibited dresses, skirts, pants, hats and other accessories from the pens of the finalist artists of the ‘Made in the Caribbean’ fashion design contest with which UNESCO and the EU recognized the talent of these entrepreneurs.
The Dominican Republic was also represented by the young Mildred Henry, who came to Cuba for the first time with her ‘Facare’ collection.
“My proposal is called ‘Facare’ and is based on the strength, joy, quality and even relaxation that characterizes the Caribbean. It is a combination of these words,” he explained to EFE.
The young couturiers are from Cuba, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda and Guyana.
The parade was held in the context of the activities for the Month of Europe that opened on April 9 and will close on May 9, coinciding with Europe Day.
This training project for young people is included in the “Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity” program, a UNESCO initiative with support of 15 million euros from the EU.
This project includes scholarships, virtual courses, cultural training programs and the restoration plan of the old Santa Clara convent, a large building in Old Havana that will become an educational center.
(c) EFE Agency
