By Samuel Akumatey
Ho, Sept. 18, GNA – Ghana’s beauty queen, Miriam Xorlasi, has called for investors to help power up the nation’s fashion industry.
She said Ghana’s garment design space carried prospects of high fashion and international recognition, and that investor focus was required to develop the full potential.
The beauty queen made the call at a runway event in Ho for which she was special guest and said the fashion industry remained an avenue for youth empowerment and economic development deserving larger stakeholder attention.
The fashion event was organised by VVIO Couture, a youth-led design house that clothed the beauty queen for the 2024 Miss World contest in Mumbai.
“Fashion is a path to economic empowerment, and your creativity can shape the trends of tomorrow’s future.
“To the investors, I urge you to support this vibrant industry. Investing in local design studios fashion houses, and young designers, is investing in growth. With the global rise in sustainable fashion and designs, the possibilities are endless,” she stated.
The Sunday night runway show projected the flair of local designers in the latest fashion trends, and patrons included political and traditional leaders.
Miss Xorlasi commended the Ho-based fashion house for contributing to her journey to the international stage, and said the youth deserved committed empowerment.
“A special thank you VVIO designs for your incredible craftsmanship and support during the Miss World event. Your attention to detail, cuts and dedication to high fashion were truly instrumental. Let us continue to elevate our fashion industry and empower our youth,” she mentioned.
Speaking to the GNA after the show, the beauty queen, a native of the Volta Region said such events and initiatives helped to stimulate innovation and advancement within the space and urged designers to seek highest perfection in delivery.
“I think we should do more. We want to see the outfits coming out extravagant because where the world is going now, if you want to do casual, it has to be neat and looking really on point. To compete with the world or whatever is happening around the world, you must do a little bit more.”
She shared with the news agency plans to support youth in the Region and said she committed to agriculture to promote economic viability.
The three-day VVIO Sales and Fashion Show brought together entrepreneurs from the Region and beyond, and among top brands that presented were MEP Designs Gh; aggressive pursuers of high fashion with eyes on the coveted MET Gala.
Ms. Violet Zunu, the Chief Executive of VVIO Couture, used the opportunity to thank various personalities and organisations for various support and opportunities.
Key among them were the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), and the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), organisers of the Volta Fair and Investment Fair.
She also thanked ATL Fabrics and the beauty queen for availing various international opportunities.
The young entrepreneur said the second edition of the high gloss fashion catalogue, VVIO Magazine, would be released by the end of the year, and was set to promote businesses in the Region.
Ms. Zunu used the occasion to make an appeal for production spaces for the industry, an appeal backed by other fashion houses at the event.
“We are asking for space. Members are seeking information about setting up a company that would employ more people but to enable not have the resources. So, if the Government can do something about it for us,” Millicent, a creator with MEB Designs Gh, told the GNA.
GNA