I was just starving. My stomach was begging for food. I left running from my meeting to Plaza Catedral, to check out the very announced Fashion Festival. My first stop: at the Sabores de Mi Barrio stand at the corner in front of the Canal Museum. Wao! those girls know how to cook!!!! the smell of carne en palito was killing me, but they also had yumi stuff like shrimp brochetas and something that looked like the Dominican “mofongo” but was so much better: a plantain puree with onions. Don’t make faces… believe me, the contrast was fantastic! I ate it all in a second.
With renewed energy, I went on to check out the event. I always like the contrast between modern and old. They had set up the runway right in front of the Catedral, a vip room next to it. I kept wondering, why a vip room? Everyone can see the event pretty comfortably, even from the gazebo. Well… who knows. I guess it is part of the fashion world!
Walking a bit further there where Fashion Fest Casco Antiguo Fashion Fest Casco Antiguo some lateral stands with makeup artists, beer sale (Heineken, of course!) and miscellaneous stuff.
But also, at the gazebo, there was a special showing of Gustavo Araujo´s photographies. Gustavo was by far one of the most beloved artists of my time. Known virtually by everyone who put as much as a toe into the small Panamanian art world or fashion world. He died tragically last December: a drunk driver rolled over him near new years while he was just trying to cross the road. Everyone went on in shock. Since then, he has gotten mentions in the papers showing his work both in photography and painting, but above all, talking about his generous soul and talented eye. To have him present at this festival was exactly what he would have wanted, especially because it took place in Casco Viejo, one of his favorite places in Panama