Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
( AT LEFT )Thanduyise Chiliza (right), South African High Commissioner, holds the attention of (from left) Drs. Hopeton and Leith Dunn, and Mavivi Myakayaka-Manzini, keynote speaker in the day's activities at the South African High Commission reception in honour of 'South African Women's Day'. This was held at the Hilton Kingston Hotel, Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston on Tuesday( AT RIGHT )Syringa Marshall-Burnett (left), president of the Senate, shares in light-hearted conversation at the reception with Dennis Francis (centre), Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, and Cedrick Harper, High Commissioner of St. Kitts and Nevis. - PHOTOS BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
A DELIGHTFUL COCKTAIL reception on Tuesday evening brought to a close the activities of the South African Women's Day, which was staged by the South African High Commission in collaboration with the Bureau of Women's Affairs.
The ballroom of the Hilton Kingston Hotel in New Kingston was buzzing with chatter, as the participants in the day's activities shared their amazement at the outfits that were exhibited in the fashion show of traditional and contemporary pieces by South African designer Nandipha Madikiza.
FASHION SHOW
Being the last item on the itinerary of the day's activities, it was only natural that the fashion show was fresh on the lips of those at the cocktail reception.
The outfits, which were modelled by statuesque beauties from the Saint International Modelling Agency, were exquisite and won for the designer much admiration and even possible clients from among those who viewed her creations.
The 'oohs' and 'aahs' from observers and the thundering applause were indicative of how gorgeous the audience found her pieces.
Needless to say, the evening was a treat for those with an interest in African fashion, and an eye-opener to those who had not considered it.
AFRICAN GARB
Additionally, guests gave their own mini-fashion show, many donning traditional African garb and some wearing contemporary outfits fashioned from African fabric.
Among those in attendance were: the daughters of the South African High Commissioner Lesedi and Wandiswa Chiliza; President of the Senate Syringa Marshall-Burnett, Dennis Francis, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps; Dewight Peters, founder and CEO of Saint International; international models Kibwe and Chloe Luton; Cedrick Harper, High Commissioner of St. Kitts and Nevis, and his wife Barbara.
