- Title: CUBA-FASHION Cuban models look abroad amidst historic US detente
- Date: 10th June 2015
- Summary: VARIOUS OF MODELS
- Embargoed: 25th June 2015 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Cuba
- Country: Cuba
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVAEA5BW57BSJMXP4L7EDH26L5UV
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Aspiring models in Cuba hope the prospect of normalised relations with the United States, after decades of confrontation, will soon allow them to fulfil their dreams of being international fashion models.
Young models at a Havana cultural centre are taking classes and learning the basics of modelling, many with a dream to one day strut their stuff on the runways of Paris, New York and Milan.
Many of the students here say bettering relations between Cuba and the United States has made their dream more attainable.
And Pedro Acanda, a fashion designer and art director at the Cuban Art Agency of Essential Arts, Actuar, which provides modelling classes in Havana said it isn't just a yearning of being in the world's limelight; it is also a way of making money and providing for their families.
"Yes, it (modelling) can bring in income. It's help that could go to the family, but moreover, it's a gateway for the family, to a lot of families, to a person on a different level, with a different culture, with a different world view," Acanda said.
In December, U.S. President Barrack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro announced they would seek to restore diplomatic relations that Washington severed in 1961, and work toward a broad normalisation of ties.
The two sides have held multiple rounds of high-level negotiations since then and say they are closing in on a deal to reopen embassies in each of their capitals.
Obama has called on the Republican-controlled Congress to lift the 53-year-old U.S. economic embargo against Cuba and both countries have already begun to ease some policies.
And while the governments of the United States and Cuba hammer out the details of normalized relations, the modelling students here have been perfecting their walks and their looks with the hopes of new opportunities on the horizon.
"With the talks they (the Cuban government) are having with the United States, there are more opportunities, not just for art, for everything. In all parts of society and the economy," said Claudia Ramos Roque, a 24-year-old modelling student.
Another student, 18-year-old Amanda Serrano, said even though Cuba might not be the first place people think of when they think of runway models and fashion designers, does not mean the arts do not exist on the island.
"In the rest of the world they have festivals like 'fashion week' and I thought it would be great, with the opening of relations between Cuba and the United States that new doors for fashion would open up in Cuba. Because really, even though it (Cuba) doesn't have such a big tradition or recognition on an international level, here in Cuba, classes are offered and there are designers and there is fashion," Serrano said.
Congress also is considering an end to the U.S. travel ban.
Modelling professor Mercedes Aguirre said she hopes the end to travel restrictions will foster exchanges between Americans and Cubans.
"This new opening is marvellously good. I hope so, that a path is opened and that they (U.S. citizens) will be able to come here and we can share our experiences with them. Anyway, I think this is going to be great," she said.
Obama has eased restrictions on Americans making authorised trips to Cuba, but general tourism to the Caribbean island remains illegal.
Maybe before long these young models will be invited to Miami Fashion Week just 360 kilometres (220 miles) from Havana while U.S. and European models are invited to a Havana Fashion Week. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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