For the “Face of Laken” parade of 2025 their was a wish to let two textile clubs for women from minority communities collaborate and put them in the picture during the parade.
After some sessions with the women they expressed the wish to express their strengths, their freedom and their humanity. They wanted to make people smile and give back something to the community.
To achieve this, the women made many colorful birds from fabrics that they felt represent themselves. The birds represented them as free and as messengers of positivity.
On the wings of the birds a compliment was written and under the wings a small message hidden by the women that shared something more private about themselves.
The women walked the parade with colorful bird costumes and their birds bouncing from high “branches” as if they were dancing in the wind. It was a very joyful view that got a lot of positive feedback.
During the party after the parade the birds were disconnected from their “branches” and the participating women gifted them to other women in the audience. The heartwarming reactions of the audience receiving a beautiful compliment was absolutely priceless and the participating women felt so happy and empowered to be part of spreading such a joy.
