Fashion students of the Accra Technical University (ATU) have showcased designs blending African fabrics with modern textiles at a fashion exhibition.
The exhibition featured works by 366 students of the Faculty of Applied Arts. The designs were produced as part of their academic training.
Dr Emma Donkor, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Applied Arts, said the exhibition provided students with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills while promoting African cultural identity through fashion.
She said each student produced four designs annually. One was exhibited at the university’s auditorium, while three were presented at a fashion show at the National Theatre.
The exhibition was held on the theme: “Wear Your Culture: Tradition Meets Modernity”.
Dr Donkor described this year’s collection as exceptionally good. She commended the students for their dedication and hard work in producing the designs.
She encouraged young people interested in fashion to consider studying the discipline. She described fashion as a viable business with opportunities beyond clothing.
“Fashion is a very good business, and I encourage the youth to come to ATU to study fashion,” she said.
Dr Donkor said the fashion industry also covered accessories such as shoes and bags. She noted its importance in everyday life and the economy.
She urged students preparing to graduate and enter the world of work to start small and build their businesses gradually.
Dr Donkor said graduates could begin with basic sewing skills and a small workspace, including from their bedrooms, before expanding their businesses.
She also cautioned the students against delays in completing customers’ orders.
Dr Donkor said reliability and timely delivery were essential to building a strong reputation and attracting repeat customers.
“If a client comes to you, that client will go and sell whatever you want,” she said.
Professor George Osei-Adjei, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Arts, expressed satisfaction with the students’ performance.
He said the students had received practical, hands-on training and undergone competency-based assessment before completing their programme.
“Our joy is that they have been trained hands-on, that they have been competently assessed and that they have come out excellent,” he said.
Ms Abigail Fia Woyram, a final-year student of ATU, said the theme encouraged students to embrace their culture and grow with it.
“I am a woman of peace, so my inspiration is to show how peaceful I can dress and the elegance I can express through my designs and outfits.”
Ms Dora Doku, also a final-year student of ATU, said her mixed Ghanaian and Togolese heritage had influenced many of her designs.
She said the heritage enabled her to blend elements from both cultures into unique fashion pieces.
GNA
