Maima Massaquoi and Adhieu Kuir, both 18, have organised a runway show for the event on Sunday in St Albans.

Multicultural Arts Victoria and Brimbank City Council will present the third annual Emerge festival, featuring the artistic talents of residents from multiethnic and refugee backgrounds.

Maima and Adhieu’s fashion show will include outfits they have designed and made.

“They’re mostly elegant and chic-looking,” Maima said.

“My favourite outfits are the long gowns.

“We have 25 outfits, by the time you put the two of us together.”

This year will be Maima’s second Emerge festival — she performed West African cultural dancing at last year’s event.

The multi-talented teenager is also an actor with the St Martins Youth Arts Centre and volunteers with Brimbank Youth Services.

Maima and Adhieu both completed Year 12 at St Albans Secondary College this year, where they studied fashion.

In October, Adhieu received two prizes at the Fashion Awards Australia national finals for her long gown and cocktail designs.

Adhieu said she and Maima were excited for their Emerge fashion parade.

Adhieu attended the Emerge festival for the first time last year.

“It was very multicultural and that’s what I liked about it,” she said.

The free Emerge in Brimbank festival will include music, dance and The Westside Talent Quest from 1-6pm on Sunday November 16 at the Errington Community Centre, Princess St, St Albans.

Details: multiculturalarts.com.au

Story from: leader.newspaperdirect.com