Film, pics, and fashion - at the Italian Ambassador's Residence in Abuja

KINABUTI FASHION INITIATIVE (KFI) proudly presented in Abuja on 31st October 2012 at the Italian Ambassador’s Residence a multimedia event tagged IN OUR GHETTO – MOVING EXHIBITION, which was first launched in Lagos in March 2012 and then presented in St. Louis (USA), Chennai (India), Venice and Verona (Italy) throughout this year. 

The ultra glamorous event at the Italian Ambassador’s residence, in addition to red-carpet walks, photo-ops, and lots of foods and drinks, featured the following:

A documentary by MARCUS WERNER-HED, a well-know Swedish filmmaker, who showcased to the world the Kinabuti experience in the documentary In Our Ghetto, an inspiring story of resilience, triumph and success in the training of girls (to become models) from disadvantaged communities in the vibrant Niger Delta.

A photo exhibition by MASSIMO SCIACCA, a recognised Italian photojournalist, who described to the press world the Kinabuti experience in a series of artistic photographs relating to the documentary IN OUR GHETTO, the Silk Screening Workshop, and the Sanitation environmental project.

A fashion show by KINABUTI, featuring the newly trained models who showed off the new Kinabuti collection in a blend of colours, elegance and beauty, where African patterns, Italian design and Nigerian grace meet. 

ACCORDING TO THE ORGANISERS: 

“Kinabuti Fashion Initiative (KFI) is a non-profit Nigerian-Italian organization having the mission to give a positive contribution to society through fashion and art. KFI considers fashion and art as suitable platforms for empowerment projects aimed at creating sustainable development, with the objective to improve living conditions through vocational training, educational programs and employment opportunities. KFI seeks to combat poverty and inequality in the least favoured communities by inspiring and empowering young women to believe they can achieve their dreams. KFI works closely with the Niger Delta communities of Bundu Waterside, Eleme, Marine Base Waterside, Okrika Waterfront and Igbikisikalama. Over the last two years Kinabuti has 21 girlsl, with no previous modelling experience, and it has trained them as models. From the initial debut they have succeeded in participating in fashion photographic sessions and entertaining shows nationwide. Some of them are currently working as ambassadors for multinational companies. Three of the girls have been integrated within the Kinabuti label as assistants, learning technical and accountant skills that will be precious assets to their future. Four of the girls received scholarhips to study at Universities. So far, each of the 21 models has become a spokeperson for their communities. Furthermore,twelve single mothers have learnt the art of silk screening (a technique to paint fabric, ceramic and other materials) and have found jobs thanks to their newly acquired skills. Finally, in order to improve the livening conditions in the waterfronts, Kinabuti is oroganizing a series of monthly sanitation exercised in partnership with the River State Environmental Sanitation Authority. These community-based waste management exercises have place the communities on the map of weekly collection of garbage and sewage.”

The following photos were taken at the event:

Caterina Bortolussi with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Martin Uhomoibhi (middle)
and Italian Ambassador H.E. Roberto Colaminé

A cross section of guests

Caterina and Ambassador Colaminé, right, with Philippine Ambassador Alex Lamadrid (3rd from left)
and his colleague, left 

Caterina and Ambassador Colaminé with guests

Caterina and Ambassador Colaminé with guests

Caterina and Ambassador Colaminé with guests

The models

Ambassador Colaminé and Caterina thanking the guests

The guests watching the fashion show by the pool

Top photos: Ambassador Colamine and Amb. Uhomoibhi being interviewed; Caterina with guests.
Bottom: A cross-section of the guests; photos on exhibition. 

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