Accra: Fashion students of the Accra Technical University (ATU) have showcased designs blending African fabrics with modern textiles at a fashion exhibition. The event featured works by 366 students from the Faculty of Applied Arts, demonstrating their academic training in fashion design.
According to Ghana News Agency, the exhibition provided an opportunity for students to display their skills while promoting African cultural identity through fashion. Dr Emma Donkor, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Applied Arts, noted that the exhibition allowed each student to produce four designs annually. One design was exhibited at the university's auditorium, while the remaining three were presented at a fashion show at the National Theatre. The theme of the exhibition was 'Wear Your Culture: Tradition Meets Modernity'.
Dr Donkor described the collection as exceptionally good and commended the students for their dedication and hard work. She encouraged young individuals interested in fashion to consider studying the discipline, emphasizing its viability as a business with opportunities beyond clothing, including accessories like shoes and bags. Dr Donkor advised graduating students to start small, using basic sewing skills and a small workspace, before gradually expanding their businesses. She also stressed the importance of reliability and timely delivery in building a strong reputation and attracting repeat customers.
Professor George Osei-Adjei, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Arts, expressed satisfaction with the students' performance, highlighting their practical, hands-on training and competency-based assessment. He praised their excellence upon completing the program.
Final-year students Ms Abigail Fia Woyram and Ms Dora Doku shared their inspirations and cultural influences on their designs. Ms Woyram emphasized the elegance and peace expressed through her designs, while Ms Doku highlighted the impact of her mixed Ghanaian and Togolese heritage, which allowed her to blend elements from both cultures into unique fashion pieces.