By Gilbert Mwijuke

THE Festival for African Fashion and Arts was inspired by the post-election violence that rocked Kenya towards the end of 2007.

The maiden event, which took place in Nairobi last year, was meant to heal the wounds of the victims of the violence that took a heavy toll on East Africa’s biggest economy.

This year’s theme, Fashion for Peace, was inspired by the recent scramble for Migingo Island, which threatened to dent the relationship between Uganda and Kenya.

At the same time, the two main political parties in Kenya were warring, which was a threat to the country’s economy.

“Once Kenya’s economy is destabilised, Uganda suffers most because it is a landlocked country. So, we had to make our views clear to the political players,” said Arapapa’s Santa Anzo.

Arapapa fashion house was Uganda’s representatives at the show that brought together some of Africa’s most celebrated fashion designers and models on the catwalk.

For Anzo and Arapapa, this was a perfect platform to market their designs to the world.

Despite working within the theme of the show, Anzo also had her own theme, Tranquil, showcasing white and blue colours.

“White symbolised purity while blue symbolised peace, solidarity and harmony. That is exactly what we need because East Africa is like a time bomb,” said Anzo.