By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, Nov. 09, GNA — Seven pioneering figures in Ghana’s fashion industry were honoured on Saturday, at the inaugural Black Star Fashion Week.
The awards were presented during the Presidential Runway showcase at the Royal Senchi Hotel in Akosombo, a statement issued by the organisers to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Monday said.
It said the honourees were Madam Juliana Miranda Norley Kweifio-Okai, the founder of Chez Julie; Ricci Osei, founder of St Ossei; designer Kofi Ansah; Joyce Ababio, Founder, JACCD Design Institute Africa; Nora Bannerman-Abbott, the Chief Executive of Sleek Garments Export Limited; streetwear designer Mawuli Kofi Okudzeto; and Tetteh Adzedu.
“Three of the honourees — Kweifio-Okai, Osei and Ansah — were recognised posthumously. Their citations were received by relatives,” the statement said.
The two-day event was organised by the Black Star Experience Secretariat under the theme “PUT GHANA ON.” The event brought together designers, creatives and industry stakeholders to discuss the development of the fashion industry.
It said Madam Joyce Ababio was recognised for integrating Kente into everyday clothing and for her contribution to fashion education.
“In 1995, she became the first Ghanaian designer to win the Best Formal Evening Wear award at the Miss World pageant. She is the founder of the JACCD Design Institute Africa,” it said.
The statement said Mr Kofi Ansah was honoured for his work in modern African couture and for founding the Federation of African Designers.
He also mentored younger designers.
Madam Juliana Miranda Norley Kweifio-Okai, who founded Chez Julie in 1960, was recognised for blending African dress with international influences.
“Ricci Osei, who died in 2001, was recognised for his St Ossei and BRASS labels and his contribution to fashion as an expression of African identity,” it noted.
According to the statement, Nora Bannerman-Abbott was honoured for her leadership of Sleek Garments Export Limited and its contribution to garment manufacturing and export.
It said the company was recognised as an AGOA success story in 2007 after exporting 75,000 men’s shirts to the United States.
Mawuli Kofi Okudzeto was recognised for his influence on Ghanaian streetwear and youth culture, particularly during the rise of hiplife.
It said Mr Tetteh Adzedu, the founder of Adzedu of Shapes, was honoured for his work in African menswear and traditional textiles.
He received the Principal Prince Claus Award in 1998.
It quoted Mr Rex Owusu Marfo, Black Star Experience Coordinator, as saying, “The recognition was intended to celebrate individuals who had contributed significantly to the industry, often without adequate recognition, and to preserve their legacies for future generations.”
The Presidential Runway also featured collections from Ghanaian designers and musical performances by Okyeame Kwame and Lamisi.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
Email address: [email protected]