A runaway from Greece To Tanzania.

I have been invited to be a model on a fashion runway. Whereas modeling and fashion are not quite exactly of interest to me, using the colorful and magical pieces of Africanism knowing who made them, what they represent, and what principles they stand for; took out the Kendall Jenner inside of me to walk down the catwalk feeling like an African goddess.

It has been 8 years now since Dora decided to create a brand under the principles of ethical slow fashion supporting the artisans' women in Tanzania. Africanism, the name of the brand collaborates with the Women Association of Gongo Mamas, and other individuals in Tanzania who through their love, passion, art, and work design carefully every piece of clothes, jewelry, or accessory assuring that behind them a fair salary, treatment, passion, and community work are present.

Every single item of Africanism´s collection showcases the diversity of Africa along with the joy of its colors and patterns. What is more interesting is that they are more than beautiful pieces of clothes. They are a sign of effort and community work aiming to raise awareness of consumption models that are harming the environment by overproducing clothing, but also mistreating people with unfair payments and working conditions.

Raise awareness about this it is also part of what Dora and Africanism do. I attended one workshop where the facts and numbers of fast fashion and the consequences it's having on the livelihoods of people in Asia and Africa and the environment were shown to young people like me. At the same time, there is still hope, as brands like this one, know their workers and lives, work together with them and put passion and love into what they do.

All of this is noticeable to anyone who comes to see Dora whose creativity, love, and passion for her work pop us daily, for instance in the fashion show. It was not only about being a model, but to represent the diversity of Africa, through different bodies, sizes, and styles.

It was not hard to feel beautiful in one of these dresses. Being a model or buying in Africanism is so much more than meets the eye of beautiful fabric -although they are-. It is about knowing their significance and the meaning behind them. Once you know this, the magic just happens, what you wear can make the styling and comfort with the piece and your body much more fulfilling.

If anyone reading this blog is interested to look and knowing more about Africanism, here is the link to their webpage, where you will completely fall in love with everything they do. https://www.africanism.gr/