From Accra to the world stage, Ghanaian models have been commanding top fashion runways, scoring global brand campaigns, and reshaping perceptions of African beauty. Ghanaian fashion is known for its use of vibrant colors and eclectic prints, and nowhere is this joyful approach to dressing more apparent than in Accra, the country’s capital city.
Let's explore some of the top models and designers who are making significant contributions to the fashion landscape in Ghana and beyond.
Notable Ghanaian Models
Ghana has produced numerous talented models who have achieved international recognition. Here are a few of the most prominent:
- Victoria Michaels: A Ghanaian-Nigerian model, fashion icon, actress, brand ambassador, and philanthropist. She is the recipient of several accolades, including Ghana Models Awards, Glitz Style Awards, and the City People Entertainment Awards.
- Akpene Diata Hoggar: A Ghanaian creative entrepreneur, blogger, social activist, and model. Recently highlighted as one of eight top African models in the Big8 Girls Project, celebrated for her runway presence and strong editorial work across Africa.
- Others: A British-Ghanaian supermodel and mental‑health advocate. Amanda Annan A British-American model and actress of Ghanaian descent, trained at RADA and Lee Strasberg. The first Black model to front Gucci, Fendi, and Burberry campaigns in China.
These models have not only graced international runways but have also become influential figures in promoting African beauty and talent on a global scale.
Emerging Ghanaian Designers
Accra is bursting with local artisans and designers, all of whom specialize in reinventing traditional kente or fugu clothes with a modern twist. Even though their fabrics are traditional, their designs are anything but-their works take cues from the streetwear movement, modern and abstract art, and even the city of Accra itself, making for collections that are contemporary but infused with a culturally rooted spirit. These five Ghanaian designers are not to be missed, despite the lack of physical shows this season.
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Here are five designers who are reinventing Ghanaian traditions:
Ghana’s Fashion Designers - AM Business on JoyNews (14-8-19)
- Larry Jafaru Mohammed (Larry Jay): Focuses on ethically made, unisex collections that draw inspiration from African culture, textiles, and nature, combining them with modern silhouettes.
- Steve French: A contemporary womenswear designer who honors traditions to create new artistic expressions with clothing, drawing from the female form and abstract patterns.
- Hassan Alfaziz Iddrisu (Hazza): Creates ethically made, unisex sportswear, fusing African pride with traditional production methods and repurposed fabrics.
- Atto Tetteh: Offers sleek menswear pieces, reinventing traditional African patterns for the modern man.
- Chloe Asaam: A womenswear label fusing Ghanaian prints with strong, interesting shapes, reworking everyday staples with a focus on sustainability.
These designers are committed to innovating traditional Ghanaian textiles, implementing eco-friendly production methods, and celebrating a sense of Pan-Africanism.
Top Model Ghana
Inspired by but not licensed by America's Next Top Model, the objective of this program was to raise the caliber of young models in the country and enhancing the international perception of Ghanaian models. For 8 weeks, the 13 finalists lived in a house equipped with cameras and microphones. Each episode targeted a particular life skill and modeling requirement.
The show featured judges:
- Kofi Capito
- Abenaa
- Thyron Adusu
- Ivy Boakye Danquah-Adu
- Wendy Smith-Walker
- Joshua Ansah
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Accra
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Accra has been spotlighting the best of Ghanaian fashion for the past four years. The event has delivered some beautiful textile work in the past, infusing the catwalks with a high dose of energy via tie-dyes, screen printing, and more-all of which are created ethically and sustainably within the city.
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Without the presence of live shows this season, Mercedes-Benz still wanted to spotlight the work of local West African talent by producing a special photo series, shot by Carlos Idun-Tawiah, that showcases the new collections of five Accra-based designers: Larry Jafaru Mohammed, Steve French, Hassan Alfaziz Iddrisu, Atto Tetteh, and Chloe Asaam.
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