By Kumba Leigh
The Executive Director of Trace Thullah Entertainment has highlighted that the objective of 7th edition of fashion awards scheduled for February 2020 is to enhance the potentials of youths and fashion growth in The Gambia.
Mr Ezekiel Ayo McCormack made the remarks recently at a press conference at Paradise Suites Hotel in Kololi.
He said their primary objective to host such an event is to boost Gambian fashion and expose it to the world in a bid to nurture talented young Gambian models into the fashion trade and industry.
Mr McCormack harped on the significance of fashion and design in The Gambia saying it plays an important role in the development of any country as it portraits competition among talented people platforms to showcase their talents in both nationally and internationally.
He said this will be a memorable year for talented youth designers, stylists, models, fashion bloggers, fashion photographers and others in the fashion industry. He added that it will be judged by experienced persons in the fashion arena and voting through text messages.
He further stated that there is a thorough survey throughout the year to identify potential winners noting that their aims and objectives are to help needy people, support and encourage youths in the fashion industry. He added that the profit gained will be ploughed back to the people despite being fully financed by their company.
Such an event, he explained, will focus more on upcoming talented models especially those in the fashion industry. He admitted that sponsorship is a big challenge yet it is fully funded by the company notwithstanding.
“Our priority is to help young talented youths and give them the opportunity to showcase and help nurture their talents. It also serves as a source of income for the country,” he stated.
He noted that the intention of such an event is to award deserving Gambians who have contributed in the fashion industry. He said there was never been such interventions for years due to the fact that people working in the industry are not recognised. This event, he said, will serve as motivation and encouragement to lift persons with various talents.
Mr McCormack went on to say that all regions in the country are inclusive pointing out that they held several meetings with the National Centre for Arts and Culture and other concerned institutions to ensure that the event is official and successful.
He went on: “Each of the thirty-three categories entail five nominees in which designers, models, stylists and others will be promoted. That time is one of our biggest challenges as there are multiple potentials in the country.”
He emphasized that people should be hopeful in the fashion industry noting that such an event will be hosted every two years to ensure that the Gambian fashion industry develops.
