Creating glamor in Nigeria's ghettos

CNN

27 December 2011

Creating glamor in Nigeria's ghettos

By Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN

Italian designer Caterian Bortolussi started her fashion label Kinabuti in December 2010. With designs inspired by Nigeria, Bortolussi wants to use fashion as an instrument for change in the region. She says: "I thought, 'Why can't we use fashion as vehicle to make a difference?' We should lead by example."

Label founder Caterina Bortolussi wants to help educate and inspire young women in the region. To this end, she casts and trains girls in professional skills associated with modelling for the Kinabuti label.  Hair stylists work on a Kinabuti model's hair in the salon.  Finishing touches are put on a model's make up as two Kinabuti girls watch in the background.

In July 2011, the models participated in the Nehemiah project, focused on rebuilding the local community and infrastructure....