Liberian fashion showcased during Liberia's 169th Independence Day celebration in Washington DC

WASHINGTON - Aug. 5, 2016 - PRLog -- Liberian made clothing and accessories were on the forefront during Liberia's 169th independence anniversary activities hosted by the Embassy of Liberia in Washington DC that ended with a charitable fashion awards show produced by Excel Magazine International and TeKay Designs to promote the Liberian fashion sector.  White chair covers with alternating red and blue sashes filled the beautiful Parish hall in honor of Liberia's flag at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 7005 Piney Branch Rd NW, Washington DC 20012 at the Liberian Fashion Ambassador Showcase on July 31, 2016.

Hon. Jeremiah C. Sulunteh (Liberian Ambassador to the USA) delivered a powerful keynote address in which he appealed for Liberia to utilize the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a unilateral trade arrangement by the U.S for African countries to penetrate the U.S market duty-free. AGOA was enacted in 2000 by the US Congress and renewed through 2025 and the Republic of Liberia was AGOA eligible in December 2006.

Rev. J. Edwin Lloyd delivered the opening prayer and the benediction. The Masters of Ceremony were Mr. Gabriel I. H. Williams (Minister Counselor of Press and Public Affairs, Embassy of Liberia) and Nee Allison (President, Liberian Association - Washington DC Metro).

Ms. Kimma Wreh (Liberia's Fashion Ambassador commisioned by Liberia's National Tailors, Textiles, Garments and Allied Workers Union) opened the program explaining that proceeds from the event would go towards establishment of a fashion design and sewing training program for people with disabilities in Liberia. This initiative will provide economic incentives to allow people with disabilities to earn a living through fashion skills. Wreh advised women and young ladies to pursue education despite hardship because it is key to gainful employment and a better way of life. Wreh came to the US and attended Howard University with a suitcase after escaping a military coup in Liberia in which her family lost their worldly belongings. While wearing African-inspired designs to school, her fellow classmates would admire her clothing and that was a catalyst to forming TeKay Designs.

Ms. Wreh is the daughter of the late Counselor Tuan Wreh (former Liberian Senator of Grand Kru County, former Dean of the Law School - University of Liberia, and author of numerous labor law, maritime law and The Love of Liberty). Wreh discussed the positive influence her father had on her life especially instilling the value of education.  Wreh also spoke about her vision for advancing the fashion sector in Liberia through textile manufacturing (with emphasis on Liberia's country cloth), apparel production, retail outlets (locally and internationally), and significant trade exhibition / fashion events. Moreover she reiterated that Excel Magazine International is partnering with TeKay Designs to project the global communication of the Liberian fashion industry.

TeKay Designs opened the fashion show with their Summer 2017 Pride of Liberia collection comprised of cocktail dresses, semi-formal attire using the Liberian hand woven country cloth, tie dye and Ankara print fabrics accessorized with ethnic necklaces, earrings and bracelets. The second segment of the fashion show featured TeKay Designs Crown Collection of elaborate evening dresses, red carpet and pageant gowns made with embroidered lace. The fashion show concluded with the renowned Queen Of The Brides collection by TeKay Designs representing women of significant social status from various countries on the runway.

Guests were treated to hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. DJ Alvin Sherman kept the audience entertained with Liberian and African music. Liberian artist Mr. Joseph Coleman entertained the audience with electrifying Liberian music. Special guests included Ms. Gboea Flumo (Miss Liberia USA 2016), Ms. Chinomso Onyekwere (Miss Igbo USA 2013), Mrs. Elizabeth Obi (Director of Education, Liberia's Tailors & Textiles Union) and Mr. Anthony Taweh (Secretary-General, Liberia's Tailors & Textiles Union).

Excel Leadership Awards were issued to Hon. Jeremiah C. Sulunteh (Liberian Ambassador to the USA), and in absentia to Hon. Munah Pelham-Youngblood (Representative for Montserrado County, District 9, Republic of Liberia), Hon. Jacqueline M. Capehart (Assistant Minister of Tourism, Republic of Liberia), Mrs. Kartumu Y. Boakai (Executive Director, Group of 77, Republic of Liberia), Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Mr. Boniface Ihiasota (Publisher / CEO, Excel Magazine International). Excel Leadership Awards recognize the uncommon landmarks of people who have made significant positive contributions to the advancement of society.

ABOUT EXCEL INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE
EXCEL International Magazine is a high profile celebrity magazine, designed primarily to project Africa's events, people, places, culture, and tourism for global appreciation.  The magazine is distributed in the USA, United Kingdom, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Liberia, etc. with over 50,000 print copies distributed worldwide.  Website http://www.excelmagazineinternational.com

ABOUT TEKAY DESIGNS
TeKay Designs is an award winning international fashion designer brand (founded by Liberian Designer Kimma Wreh in 1998) with operations in the USA and West Africa (Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria). Wreh was commissioned in June 2015 as Liberia's Fashion Ambassador representing Liberia's National Tailors, Textiles, Garments and Allied Workers Union in the USA.  TeKay Designs has been featured in New York Fashion Week, Chicago Fashion Week, Houston Fashion Week, and the brand received the prestigious West Africa Women's Wear Designer of The Year 2016 award. Website: http://www.tk-designs.com

ABOUT KDE DISABILITY AFRICA FOUNDATION
KDE Disability Africa Foundation is a Texas 501C3 non-profit organization founded to improve the lives of disabled people in Africa and the US by providing assistive and mobility devices, basic needs, vocational skills and fashion training, and disability inclusion via fashion. Website: http://www.kdedisabilityafrica.org