*Zambia-Russia Cross Cultural Beauty Exhibition colourfully held*

*Zambia-Russia Cross Cultural Beauty Exhibition colourfully held*

The Russian House in Lusaka has successfully held its fourth edition of the Zambia-Russia Cross Cultural Beauty Exhibition which mounted fashion designs from both countries aimed at enhancing cultural exchange and deepening bilateral ties through talent, reports *Francis Lungu*

The colourful fashion exhibition event held in Lusaka on the evening of March 10, 2023, was anchored around two highly talented fashion designers from Zambia and Russia.

The renowned Zambian top model Precious Ng’oma paired her fashion and artworks with those of Victoria Andreyanova, a seasoned Russian fashion designer and brand entrepreneur.

The auditorium at one of Lusaka’s prestigious hotels was filled with a display of glamorous and captivating art images from the two skilled fashion designers.

For Precious, having her fashion design and artwork displayed on such a huge international platform is a dream realized.

“It’s an honor for me to have my works exhibited in this manner. This is a dream come true,” she says in an interview.

According to Precious, the exhibition bridges the gap between Russia and Zambia as far as fashion and art are concerned.

“This is a connecting factor in a big way, it is something I will cherish for a very long time to come. I am also glad that my fashion and modeling works are inspiring young girls,” she said.

Precious art and fashion works were first displayed two months ago at a fashion show in Zambia.

Precious feels humbled to have her works lined up with the highly profiled works of Victoria.

Victoria, whose works were displayed in her absentia at the Zambia-Russia Cross Cultural Beauty Exhibition, was born in the former Soviet Union.

She is one of the significant Russian fashion designers and the winner of multiple prestigious fashion awards in her country.

Her company has successfully operated in the Russian fashion market for more than 30 years.

She has showcased her fashion collection at the Moscow Fashion Week since 1997.

Her conceptual art exhibition and installations are marketed with a creative approach to important social issues.

Victoria’s philosophy in life is to maintain natural habits and respect for the environment.

This lifestyle allows her to focus on designing clothes using the ultimate quality fabrics.

She is also the founder and owner of the Victoria Andreyanova brand. Her SS 23 Collection, in Collaboration with JSC CM Shuyskie sitsy – the largest traditional cotton chintz manufacturer in Russia with a 200-year history.

Victoria’s fashion also works with Scottish mohair, Italian silk, and now Russian chintz, producing exceptional cuts with an eye for detail.

The evening which was graced by the Russian ambassador to Zambia, Azim Yarahmedov, was also spiced with a chain of entertainment through songs,  dance, and even poetry performances churned out by Russian House students.

Ambassador Yarahmedov expressed gratitude that the women folk are being supportive of society’s well-being through such creative works of fashion design and arts.

“I am very appreciative that women are a huge resource through their talents to men’s initiatives and together society is made a better place for all,” he said.

And Russian House director Aleksandr Anisimov said the cross-cultural exhibition is one of the best platforms promoting cultural integration between the people of Russia and Zambia.

Mr. Anisimov pledged Russian House continued support to such initiatives that are aimed at bringing the two countries’ cultures together.

“The Russian House will support creative industries in Zambia because we believe that creativity can build a better future. This is the reason why we provide over 160 scholarships to deserving Zambian school leavers every year to go and study in various Russian universities in different programs,” Mr. Anisimov said.