By *Theo Omambala
London , UK - February 15, 2008

*Ms. Theo Omambala is a well respected journalist based in London . She attended the recent FIMA or “International Festival of African Fashion” which took place in Niamey , Niger in Africa . The following special report is her own personal account of the excitement that she experienced at the Festival.


Filled with anticipation and excitement, I boarded the Air France flight, destined for Niamey , the capital of Niger in West Africa . My mission was to cover the FIMA cultural/fashion event. Armed with a 4 day packed official itinerary brochure, I wondered what creative adventure awaited me. Unknown territory, unknown event, I pondered over my research.

Niger, home to the Tuareg nomadic tribe, distinguished by their craftsmen, whose beautifully hand made traditional silver jewellery, a skill passed down from generation to generation, is renowned in the trendiest of fashion circles. Home also to Alphadi, son of a large Tuareg family, acclaimed International designer and founder of FIMA. The latest edition of FIMA, a bi-annual event first established in 1998, consisted of the following:

- The Hip/Hop Festival,
- The Young Designer Competition
- The Top Model Competition
- The FIMA “Soiree”


The African sun embraced and overwhelmed the International entourage of journalists, designers, models and photographers, as did the waiting FIMA officials at the airport. An intuitive, instant trust was instilled as I willingly handed over my passport and then proceeded to the baggage claim hall.

As our suitcases were loaded, “African style” on to the mini-bus roof top, I quietly thought of my Louis Vuitton travel bag which I had wisely decided to leave at home. ...

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