MONROVIA – It was a sheer celebration of class and elegance on Saturday, March 23, as La Princess Fashion Academy (LPFA), led by Mrs. Princess Pratt, graduated 15 fashion designers poised to revolutionize fashion design in Liberia.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]
The event, held at the Bella Casa Hotel on 3rd Street in Sinkor Monrovia, marked the institution’s first commencement convocation.
Among the distinguished attendees were Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor, former Liberian Vice President; Dr. Philderald Pratt, LPFA Board Chairman; Mrs. Princess Pratt, the founder and Executive Director; teachers, and other dignitaries.
Ex-VP Taylor, delivered an impactful and inspiring speech at the inaugural graduation ceremony of the La Princess Fashion Academy.
In her address to the graduates, mentors, sponsors, and well-wishers, Madam Taylor praised the institute’s dedication to empowering young women and advancing Liberia’s socio-economic landscape.
Commending Mrs. Princess Pratt for her commitment to uplifting Liberia, Taylor expressed gratitude for witnessing the fruition of LPFA’s vision within a relatively short span.
Emphasizing the importance of education and skill development in national development, she highlighted the graduates’ potential to contribute significantly to Liberia’s growth and prosperity.
“To the graduates, thank you for stepping forward,” she said. “What builds nations is the middle class. Your performances tonight prove that you are a cut above the rest.”
The former VP encouraged the graduates to pursue their dreams fervently, reminding them that true fulfillment comes from aligning one’s vocation with innate talents and aspirations.
She urged them not to squander their gifts but to nurture them and strive for excellence in their endeavors, suggesting they establish fashion design businesses to showcase their talents and impact others positively.
Taylor extended gratitude to the academy’s sponsors, mentors, and supporters for shaping Liberia’s future through education and skills development.
In closing, she urged the graduating class to seize opportunities, overcome challenges, and make a meaningful impact in their respective fields. She concluded with a heartfelt prayer for their success and pledged continued support for initiatives empowering Liberia’s youth.
Mrs. Princess Pratt, founder and executive director of LPFA, explained that the academy was established in July 2022 in response to a global call to address extreme poverty, focusing on empowering women and girls through fashion.
“The most effective way to combat poverty is through empowerment,” Pratt emphasized. “At LPFA, we aim to showcase Liberian fashion globally while empowering our students.”
She said the idea of establishing the school was conceived in Nigeria during her training. However, Pratt believes that it was a divine plan of God to establish the school to support Liberians who are not opportune to travel abroad for such training.
According to her, other specific objectives of the LPFA are to train women and girls to explore their potential of becoming fashion designers, to ensure that Liberia fashion is on par with international standards, to expand the services to Liberian women and girls, including men and boys in the leeward counties, and to showcase Liberian fashion and talent globally.
She thanked her relative and friends including Dr. Pratt, children and who have stood by her.
A highlight of the event came when the graduates displayed their handiworks – designer dresses made with needles and threads – in class and elegance.
The ceremony concluded with special awards presented to outstanding students, marking a promising start toward a brighter future for Liberia’s fashion industry. One of them, Roca George received the highest honor of the night – the ‘Style Girl’ award, for her exceptional performance throughout her studies.