As part of series of activities marking the second Pan African Cultural Festival (Panaf 2009 Algiers), a continental fashion parade, beauty and talent show, was last Saturday night held in the hall of the prestigious five star Aurassi Hotel, located right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in Algiers.

This cultural festival was hosted and presided over by Ms Khalida Toumi, Minister of Culture of the Islamic Republic of Algeria. The night long show brought together distinguished personalities from the Government of Algeria, the African Union and Ecowas. The fashion show aimed, among other things, at promoting and consolidating the spirit of African Unity. It was also meant to serve as a driving force to create and build on a common African identity, feelings and a sense of patriotism towards mother Africa.

"By organizing this sumptuous and amazing fashion show, the second edition of Pan African Cultural Festival of Algiers 2009 reminds us how elegant Africa has always remained, despite the hardships of the past. Throughout the history of Planet Earth, Africa has designed and produced garments of extraordinary diversity, reflecting the wealth of its cultural expression. The boldness of colors, shimmering and unbridle the temperance of monochromes, beaming with humility. The collection of textiles with infinite threads coupled with cleverness of shapes adapted to climate and customs," the Algerian culture minister told the audience shortly after the show.

According to her, African costumes are the repository of centuries of know-how and remarkable creativity. "Africans are the living elements of the patrimony which have continued to bear beauty and express values against all odds. Today, they have been re-interpreted and renewed by contemporary African designers. They have succeeded in entering the world of excellence," the Algerian minister stated.

The fashion show features some of the best designers on the continent of Africa, who have become widely acknowledged after years of design work, she concluded.