The Success of African Fashion Show for Charity 2024: A Celebration of Creativity, Cultural Diversity, and Philanthropy

On May 25, 2024, the National History Museum of Moldova came alive with the vibrant colors and diverse styles of the African Fashion Show for Charity. This event, attended by 250 people, featured 12 stunning fashion collections, all united by a single purpose: to support charitable causes. Yerie Mary Kamara Paglione, originally from Sierra Leone, the show is a testament to her passion for fashion and her dedication to philanthropy.

The event's face, international model Kamila Lumor, volunteered her time to support the cause, adding an extra layer of glamour and prestige to the occasion.

This year's beneficiaries were two Moldovan organizations:

  1. Hospices of Hope Moldova: A British charity providing palliative care services.
  2. ZIPHOUSE Fashion Hub: Supporting and promoting young fashion designers in Moldova.

Now in its third edition, the African Fashion Show for Charity aims to become an annual tradition, unique in the region for its blend of fashion and philanthropy.

The success of this event would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors, partners, and volunteers. We are deeply grateful to all who contributed:

General Sponsor:

  • Association for the Support of Community Initiatives and Sport (www.sustinem.md)

In-Kind Partners:

  • Regency Hotel Chisinau: Thank you for providing accommodation for our international guests.
  • Basavin Winery: Thank you for the delicious wine, event video production, and extensive organizational support.
  • ZIPhouse Fashion Hub: Thank you for your organizational support, hosting workshops, and assisting in selecting and identifying designers. Special thanks to manager Carolina Tulgara and team members Ionela and Andreea.
  • National History Museum of Moldova: Thank you for providing the venue and preparation spaces without hesitation. 
  • Irina Negara: Thank you for the exquisite desserts enjoyed by our guests.
  • LUME Restaurant: Thank you for providing a delicious lunch for the participating models. Special thanks to Ina Vieru.
  • Delice d'Ange: Thank you for generously covering after-party expenses, creating a relaxed backstage atmosphere.
  • Lifemantra Maven Solutions: A new consultancy specializing in charitable projects, soon launching African products on lifemantra.md
  • International Women's Club of Moldova (IWCM): Thank you for sponsoring the London designer's travel and printing costs. Special thanks to Olesea Shevchenko, Maria Marinuta, and the IWCM board.
  • IMBCO and the Embassy of India in Bucharest: Thank you for showcasing the cultural diversity through a superb collection of Indian outfits and your charitable donation.
  • Ozlem Sertel: Thank you for crafting 15 sets of jewelry for free to enrich the African outfits on the runway. Accessories will be available on lifemantra.md in exchange for donations.
  • Pearl Code: Thank you for your generous contribution of delicate natural pearl collections. Special thanks to Mila Jarcutchii and Victoria.
  • Serenite: Thank you for the superb charitable lot. Special thanks to Olesea Macari and Dragoș Macari.

Partner Modeling Agencies:

  • IoModels, Vera Models

Participating Modeling Agency:

  • Fashion Model Management

Media Partners:

  • Vocea Basarabiei Radio/TV and Radio Noroc: Special thanks to General Director Victoria Bucataru for promoting cultural diversity in Moldova.

Ticketing Partner:

  • iTicket: Thank you for assisting with online ticket sales.

Individual Contributors:

  • Sabrina Gubadov: Social media consultancy and promotion.
  • Irina Rusanovschi: Thank you for helping secure Kamila Lumor’s visa.

Project Ambassadors:

  • Cynthia Elisoa, Luminița Suveica

Board Members:

  • Lara Moraru, Enid Burki, Catalina Vasilache, Olga Samsonenko, Farah Almaqosi

Event Collections:

  • Yerie Zara Sahid Yerie Mary Kamara Paglione (Sierra Leone)
  • Zita Milano (UK)
  • Georgette (Moldova)
  • IMBCO (India)
  • C’est CHER (Moldova)
  • Florii (Moldova)
  • Lifemantra (Moldova)
  • YKaccessories (Moldova, founder Gisela from Columbia)

Organizational Volunteer:

  • La (Nang)

Photographers:

  • Alexei Visotin, Ruslan Chihai

Videographer:

  • Oleg Topal

IT Support:

  • Mihai Cucos, Open Host SRL

Thank you to all the volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to make this event a success.

The African Fashion Show for Charity 2024 not only highlighted the beauty and creativity of diverse cultures but also demonstrated the power of community and compassion. We look forward to continuing this annual tradition and expanding its impact in the years to come.