The just concluded Atoghu Fashion Festival (AFF) in Bamenda has showcased intricate designs of Atoghu designs but also highlighted the talents and contributions of persons with functional limitations in the growth and future of the sector.
Held from July 25th to 27th, the festival was a paid attention to inclusivity and creativity, with persons with disabilities prominently participating under the auspices of the Community Creative Center for Girls and Women with Disabilities.
The runway show featured a diverse range of Atoghu designs, with participants from the center proudly displaying their creations. This outstanding inclusion at the AFF was supported by the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS) Socio-economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SEEPD) Program, which provided substantial material support, including velvet fabric and thread, essential for creating the distinctive Atoghu patterns.
Nogning Armelle, the Board Chairperson of the Coordinating Unit of Association of Persons with Disabilities (CUAPWD), not only participated but also garnered recognition by winning the MTN People’s Choice Award for Best Dressed Participant. In her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude to the organizers, the North West Fashion Designers Association (NOFADA), for their intentional efforts to ensure an inclusive festival.
Vumomsi Ngwefontaa, President of NOFADA, acknowledged the CBCHS SEEPD program's crucial role in the festival, thanking them for their support. She also highlighted the contributions of other sponsors, including the North West Cooperative Association (NWCA) Ltd, MTN, Bafut Cooperative Credit Union, CCC PLc bank, Premier Security, and BlackSwagger, for their belief in the festival’s potential.
A standout moment was with Armstrong Fombi, a prominent creative promoter in Bamenda, during a conversation with the event host emphasized the rising prominence of Atoghu fashion in the creative arts industry. He encouraged NOFADA to collaborate with filmmakers and media to incorporate Atoghu designs into films, advocating for the use of indigenous fabric over imported ones. His call for more creativity in individual designs was important for the audience, sparking discussions on the future direction of the festival and the industry.
The festival concluded with Eddy Fashion being awarded the Best Designer Award, having impressed the jury with exceptional Atoghu designs. The success of this maiden edition has set a promising precedent, with organizers announcing plans for the next edition in 2025, signaling a bright future for Atoghu fashion and the inclusive representation it championed.
By embracing the talents of all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities, the festival showcased a united front in celebrating diversity and creativity.