Society Notebook: Fashion from away on the runway

The tenth annual Women United Around the World Fashion Show and Gala at the Italian Heritage Center on March 9 celebrated the beauty of cultural range with dozens of Maine girls modeling traditional fashion from the international locations where they have been born. The big-name of the show changed into a woman more often behind the scenes, pinning bustles on bridal gowns: Adele Masengo Ngoy, a fashion designer who fled struggle inside the Democratic Republic of the Congo almost two decades in the past, supported her three children as a seamstress and, now the owner of Antoine’s Tailor Shop in Portland, designs custom-made formal wear. She has also educated 28 different immigrant women on how to make a living as professional stitchers. “I want to help others,” said Ngoy, who started the yearly Women United Around the World fashion show in 2009 to solicit donations for sewing machines and different materials for her college students.

Women, if they’re well-mounted or they’re doing something they love or have a higher process, it’ll affect the circle of relatives, the kids.” “I’m pleased to are available in 2d fiddle to Adele Ngoy, who is aware of how to convene a multicultural occasion,” said emcee Danielle Conway, dean of the University Maine School of Law. “She has committed all of her lifestyles and especially the past 10 years to selling multiculturalism and ladies’ rights.” Three other Maine women have been honored for their work with diverse communities: Valerie DeVuyst, who currently retired after 18 years as ESOL (English to audio system of different languages) software coordinator at Portland

Adult Education; Florence Olebe, an Egyptian refugee who works as a clinical interpreter, has shaped a coalition to elevate focus approximately home violence; and Sister Patricia Pora, who oversees the Hispanic ministry for the Diocese of Portland. Entertainment by using Rwandan dancers and drummers, dancers from the Chinese and American Friendship Association of Maine, and singing sensations Shy Paca and Natalia Mbadu of Reiche Elementary School warmed the group up for the revealing of Ngoy’s Red Carpet Collection and an international fashion display providing representatives from dozens of countries. I don’t know about you, but I experience like I’ve traveled around the sector and lower back this night,” said volunteer event coordinator Amber Hoxha of Maine Marketing & Events. “And Women United Around the World empowers ladies, and allows them to get jobs as seamstresses at David’s Bridal, Ramblers Way, Sea Bags, Local Roots and different local places.”