By Samuel Spio-Gabrah, GNA
Ashaiman, April 01 (GNA) — In communities like Ashaiman, the sight of young people sporting high-end brands such as Nike, Balenciaga, Adidas, and Puma has become the new cultural uniform, signalling a departure from traditional footwear toward global streetwear trends.
For many young people, having a particular pair of kicks serves as a kind of self-expression that
conveys their understanding of current events and their own goals.
The trend has spread to high-end accessories, particularly designer belts, and shoes.
Bold, statement buckles are becoming a focal point of everyday attire, and brands like Gucci
Ferragamo and Celine are becoming more in demand.
The streetwear look is completed by this power dressing at the waist, which bridges the gap between high-fashion luxury and casual comfort that appeals to today’s youth.
Mr Theophilus Kubin, a sneaker vendor in Ashaiman, noted that the demand for authentic-looking models and premium brands has escalated over the past year.
Mr Kubin observed that customers no longer just walk in for any shoe but come with specific models in mind, often inspired by what they see on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok.
He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that “they want a brand, not simply a shoe. Whether it is Balenciaga or Nike, they want to stand out from the crowd.”
He added that “To keep up with the market’s pace, we had to switch our inventory from simple leather shoes to these in-demand trainers.”
According to Mr Emmanuel Ocran, who specialises in high-end accessories at his Ashaiman boutique, many young men and women choose belts with recognisable logos, such as those of Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Tom Ford, which they believe is an indication of success.
He pointed out that the belt frequently serves as the focal point of the ensemble and is instantly identifiable to peers as a status symbol.
“A young man can wear a simple t-shirt and jeans, but once he puts on a designer belt with a big buckle, his confidence changes,” Mr Ocran noted.
The youth of Ghana have a different perspective, despite some critics’ claims that the emphasis on pricey brands encourages consumption. For them, it is about taking one stride and one buckle at a time to contribute to a worldwide dialogue.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Linda Asante Agyei