August Highlights: A Month Bursting with Culture, Celebration & Creativity

August was nothing short of spectacular for UCOF! From community celebrations to global fashion spotlights, this month reminded us why culture, creativity, and connection remain at the heart of everything we do. We had the privilege of sharing in events that highlighted the beauty of diversity, the power of unity, and the importance of cultural expression.

The month began with the International CultureFest by the Saint John Newcomer Centre, where Uptown Saint John came alive with music, dance, and global traditions—a vibrant preview of the cultural fashion and unity to be showcased at the upcoming UCOF Fall Fashion Festival.

We also joined in honouring New Brunswick Day, celebrating the communities and cultures that enrich our province. The International Youth Day on August 12, shone a spotlight on the resilience and creativity of young people, reinforcing our commitment through Empowered Strides Project to help youth lead with confidence and spark change in their communities.

Here’s a closer look at the highlights of August's activities at UCOF!

The first cohort of Empowered Strides wrapped up on August 23, but the journey doesn’t end there. The excitement continues at the UCOF Fall Fashion Festival, where our incredible Striders will proudly showcase their final projects to a live audience.

Empowered Strides participants in group photograph with Lorraine, Chisom, Michael and Christine.

We are deeply grateful to our dedicated facilitators and coaches whose guidance and commitment made this milestone possible. Their support has been instrumental in empowering our youth to step into confidence and creativity. To learn more about the Empowered Strides Project and the inspiring leaders behind it, visit the project page.

Fashion History Rewind – Global Styles That Inspire 

This month, we highlighted the stories behind timeless garments that continue to shape culture and inspire modern fashion: 

1. Chiapaneco Dress: The Chiapaneco dress is a vibrant symbol of Chiapas’ cultural pride. Traditionally worn in folkloric dances and parades, it celebrates artistry and community, now reimagined on modern runways as a global icon of Mexican fashion. 

2.  Umushanana: The Umushanana, draped with elegance and grace, is worn at weddings and cultural ceremonies in Rwanda. More than clothing, it reflects national pride, dignity, and the timeless beauty of Rwandan women, carrying heritage forward with every fold. 

3. Moroccan Kaftans: Moroccan kaftans blend Ottoman and Andalusian influences in luxurious fabrics and intricate embroidery. Still worn at weddings and festivals, the kaftan bridges centuries of tradition with modern elegance, an enduring symbol of cultural pride. 

4. Somali Dirac: The Somali Dirac is cherished at weddings, Eid, and celebrations. It embodies Somali femininity, tradition, and joy, transforming special moments into cultural expressions of pride. 

5. Guatemalan Huipil: Handwoven on backstrap looms, the huipil is a living story of identity and resilience in Indigenous Guatemalan communities. Its colors and motifs reveal ancestry, spirituality, and community values, making each piece both everyday wear and sacred heritage.

Visit us on Instagram  and Facebook page for more updates. 

Fashion History Rewind – Global Styles That Inspire 

Models' Testimonials – Voices from the Runway 

Our Models' Testimonials series continues in this edition, spotlighting the faces that bring UCOF’s runways to life: 

1. Aminata Diallo – A runway star whose poise and elegance shine in every stride. 

2. Chukwudera Tiffany Ekweaga – A teen talent who proudly wore her mother’s ModA Fashion designs, celebrating roots and family artistry. 

3. Praise Abiola – A graduate, volunteer, and runway standout whose creativity inspires on and off stage. 

4. Kaima – A 2024 UCOF model, performer, and volunteer whose energy lit up four cities, embodying passion and community spirit.

Visit our Instagram page to read their inspiring testimonials.

Reel Voices Testimonial Series – Creativity That Inspires

This month, we featured testimonials from two brilliant designers who continue to push the boundaries of culture and creativity: 

 Eiman Al Makari lit up the 2024 Saint John runway with designs that radiated creativity and cultural pride. Her work turned heads, told stories, and left the audience in awe. Relive her stunning showcase and hear her testimonial on her love for designing and sewing. To see Eiman and other talented creatives on the runway this September, grab your tickets on the event page 

Victoria Popoola, co-founder and creative director of Vay Atelier, is the creative mind behind some of the most stunning looks that graced the runway at the 2024 Moncton Fall Fashion Show. To hear more Victoria’s journey, vision, and the inspiration that drive her timeless creations, follow her at  Vay.atelier on Instagram to see her stunning designs.

Watch Eiman and Victoria's testimonials on our YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram  and Facebook  for more testimonials like this. 

Don’t Miss the UCOF Fall Fashion Festival! 

The countdown is officially on! UCOF’s Fall Fashion Festival 5.0 arrives this September—and it promises to be the boldest celebration of culture, creativity, and community in Atlantic Canada. August was all about connection, pride, and preparation; September will be nothing short of unforgettable. See you on the runway!

If you missed the first rehearsal at Saint John’s King Square on August 29, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a full recap.

This September, join us in Dieppe, Fredericton, and Saint John as we showcase cultural fashion, fearless creativity, and community pride. Be sure to follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes exclusives, festival highlights, and more!

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