LONDON
It was a proud moment for the Goan community as traditional Goan attire was displayed for the first time at the London Fashion Week (LFW) at the St Mary’s Church in Marylebone, Central London, on September 16.
The LFW takes place in February and September, showcasing over 250 designers to a global audience, fashion designers and entrepreneurs, as well as people from diverse cultures and ethnic origins.
Six Goans presented different traditional attire at the ‘We Wear Heritage’ fashion show of the LFW, to experience the rich cultural tapestry of the Borough of Brent through the art of traditional clothing, as well as celebrating culture, history, and unity of the diverse Brent communities.
Organised by CVS Brent in collaboration with Best of Brazil Community CIC for the second year and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the unique fashion show offered a rare opportunity to explore the intricate art of traditional textiles, costumes, and accessories.
Besides the Goan and Tamil Nadu communities, the 10 other ethnic groups showcasing their traditional attire at the ‘We Wear Heritage’ fashion show were from Brazil, Afghanistan, China, Caribbean, Iraq, Africa, Mauritius, Romania, Somalia and Dominica.
The six models who represented Goa at the fashion show were Alvito Dias (Fatorda), Anarita Rodrigues and Sunil D’Souza (Vasco), Tony Vas (Divar), Claudino Fernandes (Cortalim) and Maura Fernandes (Cuncolim).
Anarita dressed up in a Kunbi saree, and Alvito as a Goan farmer, while Claudino was presented with a Hindu male costume usually worn at Hindu weddings and certain festivals.
Maura wore a Navari saree worn by a Hindu bride and at festive occasions, while Tony dressed up as a Goan landlord (Bhatkar). Sunil was attired in a costume worn by a Portuguese male during the Corridinho dance.
Joyce de Souza, project director and organiser of the Goan fashion show, wore a Portuguese costume worn by women while performing the Corridinho dance.
“The fact that the Goan Community cultural costumes were displayed at the LFW fashion show by Goan models was a proud moment for me,” said Joyce.
“We were overjoyed as it was the first time ever that Goan models walked on the ramp at the London fashion show wearing our Goan traditional wear.”
“This opportunity invited us to share the many talents within our community, while also giving us a chance to meet other communities.”
Joyce admitted that when the organisers approached her at short notice to showcase traditional Goan attire at the LFW, she was unsure if she could get it done.
“But I give credit to my husband, Elvis Fernandes, a social activist in Wembley, Brent and Delegate of the Labour Party, who encouraged me to contact like-minded people,” said Joyce.
“I would like to thank the models who took time off their schedule and agreed to wear Goan costumes without any hesitation. We believed that Goan heritage should be kept alive no matter which part of the world we reside at the moment. We are Goans at heart and are closely attached to Goa.”
Alvito Dias said taking part at the fashion show was a great experience.
“We got to present our Goan heritage, while also meeting people from different cultures. I felt proud to showcase our great culture and tradition in front of a global audience,” said Alvito.
The chief guest, Mili Patel, Deputy Leader of Brent Council, addressed the audience and encouraged people from immigrant families to keep their heritage alive.
