Accra: Fashion education requires academic ability, creativity and strong mathematical skills, Dr Emma Donkor, Head of the Department of Fashion Design and Textiles at Accra Technical University, has said. She urged young people interested in fashion to pursue the discipline without being discouraged by outdated perceptions of the profession.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Donkor made these remarks during an exhibition showcasing the works of final-year Higher National Diploma fashion students. The event highlighted their semester projects as they approached the completion of their final year. Typically, each student produces four outfits for their final-year project, but due to space constraints, only one outfit per student was displayed at the exhibition. The remaining three outfits will be presented at a fashion show at the National Theatre on August 14.
Dr Donkor expressed her admiration for the students' performance and conduct, acknowledging that they initially faced challenges adjusting to the demands of their final-year projects. However, she noted that they eventually embraced the task and completed their work successfully. She emphasized that fashion is a serious academic discipline that can be pursued to the doctoral level, challenging the outdated perception that fashion is for those who are not academically inclined. Dr Donkor cited herself as an example of someone who has pursued education in fashion to the highest level.
Encouraging parents to support children with a genuine passion for fashion, Dr Donkor highlighted that students with a true interest in the field tend to excel. She urged young people interested in cutting, designing, and creating clothes to develop their talents and seize the significant opportunities offered by the fashion industry. Dr Donkor also called for greater recognition of fashion designers, emphasizing that clothing is an essential part of everyday life and social occasions.