ON one side a woman stands swathed in flowing fabrics of canary yellow, showing some of the striking designs in Somali fashion, while in jarring contrast the man next to her poses in a kilt.
It was an unusual sight, but was one of many on Tuesday night when the Zimwomen Association hosted a Multicultural Fashion Show at The University of Northampton, bringing together styles from all over the world.
“We tried to get all sorts of different cultures in the show, because there are so many different cultures in Northampton, “says Rutendo Nyatsine, chairwoman of the Zimwomen Association.
“We had designs from African cultures but also places like Scotland and Portugal.
“The reason we decided to have the show was to promote community cohesion.
“Events like this show people to appreciate other people’s cultures and allows them to mix together at a fun event.
“I also think people can also look at other cultures’ designs and take inspiration from them.
“There are a lot of African designs, but Africa is a big continent and the styles vary enormously between countries and cultures.
“Southern Africa for instance is very different from Somali, as the show has shown.
“In Southern Africa you find most of the prints have animals on them.
“It comes from when they used to live almost with animals and then wore animal skins and now the animals are reflected in the patterns.
“A lot of our children are born in this country and we want them to learn about the culture, through the fabrics we can tell a story about our history and our country today.
“We can also share this with other cultures.”
Marvin Mudzongo, a student at The University of Northampton, who exhibited his customised clothes, has Zimbabwean heritage but grew up in Britain.
“My designs are more customising, taking different styles and cultures and mixing them,” he said.
“Zimbabwean influence is there but my creations are more relaxed and are also mixed with the culture here which I have grown up with.
“I think events like this help people to appreciate and learn from each others cultures.”
Demonstrating some of the best of Somali designs were Muna Cali and Intizar Mohamed from the Northamptonshire Somali Women and Girls’ Association, who explained the different styles worn by married and unmarried women.
“The married women can wear a shash, this is a special hat, you can also wear it seven days after your engagement,” said Intizar.
“Before we are married you just wear the scarf and our dresses are plainer.
“We are wearing Islamic cultural dress, which is mainly black but you do also have it in different colours,” said Muna.
“Once you are married you can wear more colours and patterns.
“People often think that all African people have the same culture and clothes, but we all have our styles and traditions, and our cultures are different.”
Demonstrating one of the few cultures where the skirt is considered masculine, was Rux Oldfield, from Kingsley, Northampton, whose origins are Scottish.
“I wore the traditional Prince Charlie outfit.
“The kilt is the main smart outfit that the Scots have.
“You have the sporran at the front because the kilt has no pockets.
“Then on my feet I wore the Ghillie Brogue with the socks and my sgian-dubh [a small dagger kept in the sock].”
“I definitely think people can share common ground with fashion. Everyone has their own styles but fashion is something everyone can enjoy,” added the current reigning Miss Northampton, Gabriella Willmore, from Guilsborough, who supported the fashion show on the night.
The event was also supported by Northamptonshire Police.
Nick Stephens, community engagement officer, said: “We link in with all the different communities in Northampton and tonight is celebrating that diversity through fashion.
“It’s always good to talk about diversity and it leads to better communication between people.”
