“This next segment is for when you are trying to chillax and kick game,” Iweala said.

The majority of the African casual wear was rented from Gureje, a New York-based clothing designer.

“The designer who did the non-traditional clothing literally created individual pieces of art. It is definitely something that I would go and buy,” said Dina L. Maxwell ’06, who modeled in the show.

Following the fashion show Itumeleng A. Makgetla ’05, the alumni representative for HASA, read several poems written by various South African poets.

“I thought that they express something particular about the South African experience, but also something universal,” Makgetla said.

The show concluded with a spirited performance by the West African Drum Troupe from Mali. The majority of the audience got up on stage and joined in the dancing.

Though the fashion show has been done in years past, this was the first time that it has taken place as part of the larger concept of “Africa Week.”

Most of the organizers of the week’s events said they were happy with the overall effort but that they were disappointed with the low attendance.

“I thought that we could have had better turnout at the events, but I am optimistic. We were able to turn this idea that we had into something tangible, and that in and of itself is a success,” Offor said.

HASA members said that they would continue to raise awareness about Africa at Harvard.

“We hope that this is going to be the beginning of a Harvard tradition because we want people to know more about Africa in a positive way,” said Nomnso N.S. Kalu ’07, a first-year representative for HASA. “I think it is the beginning of a great tradition.”