Multicultural Fashion Show
Page 1
International Community Council-
Worldwide Intercultural Network
6th Annual Holiday Diversity Party
December 16, 2015

A highlight of the 6th annual Holiday Celebration of Cleveland's Diversity held in the atrium of the Global Center for Health Innovation in the Cleveland Convention Center by the International Community Council-Worldwide Intercultural Network (ICC-WIN) was the multicultural fashion show. Nada Martinovic was organizer of the fashion show and provided us with these notes.

Nada Martinovic

Armenia

The Armenian national clothing, called Taraz in Armenian, represents a rich cultural tradition. This style of dress demonstrates one that's typical of the Sassoon Region of Western Armenia in the 19th century. Armenian clothing typically incorporated wool, cotton, linen and silk, and included lots of embroidery. Jewelry was added to complete the dresses.

Cameroon

The Bakweri traditional attire-consist of the men sanja tied round the waist with two overlapping edges by the sides called masu'u topped by a long sleeve white shirt, a head scarf around the neck the men. The women wear "Kabba".This attire is unique with all the coastal region of Cameroon.

The Bamenda traditional regalia is made using a needle and various colors of wool fibers. Various design exist with the traditional rulers having a unique design. It represent sign of power and influence in society. It is a common attire during special celebrations. Many design exist with that of the people natural custodian, the Fons having a sun symbol in front and behind, which signifies benevolent authority shines over the territory of their jurisdiction with generosity like the sun.

China

2. Yan Yu*- red silk dress with plum blossoms- a symbol for strength

3. Allen Liew (male)- a traditional Chinese jacket with gold inlay, which symbolizes royalty. The symbols on the jacket meant-"good fortune" and bats which also symbolizes a good fortune.

4. Xiaoli Zhang* -gold dress with butterfly- as a symbol of love.

5. Sibley Strader - costume for the Mood Goddess; it is believed that if you look up at the full moon during the Chinese mid-Autumn Festival you'll see the Moon Goddess with rabbit on it.

6. Han Wang* -red silk dress with a bamboo- a symbol for a scholar

*Yan, Xiaoli and Han-are exchange students and this is their first time being in the USA

Colombia

Estonia

The skirt has folds in it which represent waves in the Baltic Sea. The necklace is amber, the traditional Estonian jewelry material. Emmi and Erika have returned from mushroom picking in the moist Estonian forests.

Hawaii

A classic part of Hawaii's wardrobe having similar patterns and colors are the Muumuu and Aloha shirt representing the traditional wear of men and women of Hawaii as both pieces are descendants from the missionary design to which was forced upon the native people. The best quality of shirts and muumuus are made of natural cotton and silk imprinting the beautiful feature of floral patterns native to Hawaii. The haku and lei are key pieces too.

Want to learn about ethnic and cultural events in Cleveland such as this ICC-WIN Multicultural Party? Sign up for the free eNews and every Wednesday morning you will receive a free e-mail listing the next week's events. It's easy and free.

Select 'WEEKLY' when you fill out the form for the free weekly eNews.