The last show of this evening and of this week. A tribute to Orange Babies by House of Orange. What to expect of this tribute? I could feel that all the other spectators – the room was pretty packed – asked themselves the same question. First, some essential background information about Orange Babies. This foundations’ primary goal is to help pregnant women with HIV and their babies in Africa. Orange Babies want to make the people around the world, the Netherlands included, aware of the problems of HIV/Aids in Africa. Therefore, creative events are organized, like this amazing Tribute!
Wende opened the show; with a touching song called break my heart. Only accompanied by her guitar and her amazing voice, she could made us all feel what she sang. Then there was a speech held by Baba Sylla, the director of Orange Babies. When he reached the microphone the audience cheered: We love u! A great moment, after which Sylla spoke some beautiful words. Ten years ago Orange Babies held a show and for him it was impossible to mention all the great things the foundation – and the benefactorers – had accomplished since. Then the audience had to suit the action to the word; many collection-boxes appeared! Off course, everyone donated for this great initiative.
There happened a lot on the catwalk. A child’s choir, Kinderkoor de Kickers (dirigent: Jan Maarten Koeman), sang two beautiful songs. A number of stylists gave their interpretation on Africa and for Orange Babies. Firstly, eight handmade silhouettes appeared on the catwalk. Caroline Fuchs, Maarten Spruyt and Kevin power made African influenced models walk across the catwalk, with carefully crafted pieces on their body. Nick Foss and Rene Vandebeld showed what can be made out of a suit. Male models showed their raw, but with detailed pieces, ‘deconstruction of tailoring.’ Strong looks! After men’s wear, Jet Vervest showed authentic styling with unexpected combinations. In ‘our world’ we can buy ‘combinations’, but what happens when you have to do with little? Make some interesting outfits! After this show Sirianne and Annelie gave us ‘One Folk’. A fairytale about a family and a horse! I really thought some nymphs appeared on the catwalk, this Folk looked so sweet, with a little girl in front. With a swift pace we entered the world of designers Jos van Heel, Netty Nauta, Annet Schullink en Marie-Louise Toerenel. Baggy jeans, greasy hair and T-shirts with the African flag. Tough models and well balanced apparel.
So far the designers. One model impressed me the most. She walked across the catwalk with a package on her head. Her belly was a see-through plastic bowl (like a fish bowl) with an orange baby in it. Capable of holding on to the package, she slowly passed by. A great moment.
Then the finally. Not just all the models walking together across the catwalk one more time, no! A real African music and dance group appeared! The energy, the love, the thrill of the djembe sound…What striked me the most was their smile. The dancers accompanied the band and their energy rose sky-high! The entire room was participating again – clapping and waving!
What a great way to end a great show. Like Baba Sylla already mentioned in his speech: All love and care for all the contributors to Orange Babies! What a wonderful foundation, a well deserved tribute! Let’s make this together A Tribute to Life!
It’s impossible to show all the pictures I’ve made, but here’s an impression of the tribute:
Donate clothes for Orange Babies! At entrance of AIFW.
Reading Sanoma Magazines before doors open for A Tribute to Orange Babies.
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