Young People Of Yorkshire Take To The World Stage
5th June 2007
Ten young people from Yorkshire and Humber will be taking part in an event this weekend likely to be seen by 500m viewers worldwide. The Indian International Film Academy awards are taking place at the Hallam Arena in Sheffield on the 9th of June and ten 18-25 year olds from the region are set to rub shoulders with the biggest stars in world cinema by taking part in the show.
The young people, nominated to represent a cross section of the region’s youth through recommendations by the IIFA fringe steering group will be dressed to impress.
The five young men will be fitted out in a suit made from Yorkshire’s very own cloth. The intricate wool cloth was designed by Clissold, based in Bradford. The unique blue fabric features the word ‘Yorkshire’ gently interwoven in the pinstripe. Top Leeds tailor, Raymond Andrews, has transformed the cloth into stylish suits for the glamorous awards ceremony.
The five young women will be wearing unique designer dresses by Lena Malik, a Rotherham based young and upcoming British-Asian designer. The full length gown, predominantly green in colour reflecting Yorkshire’s countryside, is a fusion of east and west. It uses a western cut and fuses it with eastern embellishments to add strength and character.
Gary Topp, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Culture who made the first IIFA Fringe Weekend possible said “The young people taking part in these awards are a fantastic example of the region’s potential. The clothes they are wearing demonstrate the rich and unique cultural mix of the region and I am proud that they are acting as our ambassadors on a truly global stage”.
Neil Jenkinson, Head of Culture and Major events at Yorkshire Forward comments;
“Yorkshire and Humber is fantastically diverse – both in terms of its culture and economy – and this is an asset we used to bring the IIFA weekend to the region. For me, it is great to see this diversity represented through these Yorkshire costumes, showcasing the five cities that make up our region and profiling a up and coming regional designer who is continuing our region’s tradition in the textiles and creative industry and updating these expertise for the 21st century”.
When asked how he felt about representing the youth of Yorkshire, Ahmed Al-Aagam from Sheffield said “I am honoured to be representing the youth of Yorkshire and look forward to taking part in such a major international event”.
Asked the same question, Lucy Skilbeck of York replied “I feel honoured and excited and am really looking forward to all aspects of the experience”