| About Us |
ExtraVaaKhangaMission StatementExtraVaaKhanga is committed to creating a platform for young and rising fashion designers with a special focus on contemporary African-themed fashion.This platform will allow these designers to elevate the African experience onto the international stage. History of the KhangaThe khanga has a long history on the coast of East Africa and was inspired by handkerchiefs "lenço" used by Portuguese traders. Named after the bright colored guinea hen, the khanga is a vibrant-colored, light-weight cotton cloth worn as a wraparound skirt, shirt, and headwrap by both women and men in the East Africa and the greater Central African region. Generally, the cloth is 5ft by 3ft and looks like a large handkerchief or shawl. However, contemporary designers have used the khanga to make everything from shirts, to dresses, skirts and upholstery. The khanga is particularly unique as it is used to pass on messages by the coastal peoples of East Africa. Each khanga has a methali (a Swahili proverb) that goes round the bottom of the cloth, for instance, a Swahili saying "neno njema halikosi kujibiwa" (literally means: a good word will get a positive response). In this way the khanga is a way for women to boldly express their individuality-- from color to style to designs; each unique as each of this year's designers. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------MN FashionAbout MN FashionMN fashion is a force in the local fashion community, helping to support local designers and by providing resources and professional development. MN Fashion is presenting Fall Fashion Week, September 21-27, 2009. Minnesota Fashion Week (MNFW) is seven days dedicated to fashion, uniting local designers, boutiques and fashionistas alike. Through runway shows, informational seminars, in-store events, museum tours and swanky parties, Fashion Week showcases the very best fashion in the twin cities.
To find out more visit www.mnfashion.org |
