Fashion

25 students graduate from Christie Brown Academy

The Christie Brown Academy (CBA), in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation, has graduated its second cohort of fashion entrepreneurs in Accra last week.

The event celebrated 25 creatives who completed an intensive one-year pilot programme designed to equip young Africans with the tools to build globally competitive and sustainable fashion businesses.

The Christie Brown Academy, which is founded by renowned Ghanaian designer Aisha Ayensu, is redefining fashion education in Africa with a core mission to empower young African creatives through transformative curriculum that prioritises the business of fashion and creative design.

The event featured a fashion show spotlighting the participants’ original collections which were a reflection of their personal growth, cultural identity, and commitment to innovation.

At the event, the MasterCard Foundation awarded $1,000 seed funding to three outstanding participants, namely Barbara Clement, Mavis Nelson, and Nancy Osei to support their fashion ventures.

Speaking at the ceremony, the founder and Director of Christie Brown Academy, Ms Ayensu, said “through the Christie Brown Academy, we are meeting these participants at the point of their needs and bridge the gap between creativity and entrepreneurship in Africa’s fashion industry.”

Representing the MasterCard Foundation, Nene Diallo, Capacity Development and Mass Entrepreneurship Lead – Pan African Programmes, commended the partnership with the Foundation’s vision to unlock the potential of African youth.

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu

Fashion

Sneakers: rainy season’s style essential

The rise in sneaker during the rains is not just about fashion, but also about necessity. Unlike sandals that leave feet exposed or leather shoes that easily soak, sneakers provide better protection against the unpredictable weather.

They keep feet dry, offer stronger grip on wet surfaces, and still allow wearers to express individuality through design and style.

The types of sneakers available today give wearers plenty of options to match both lifestyle and weather needs. Waterproof sneakers, crafted from weather-resistant materials, shield feet from the heaviest downpours.

Sneakers provide extra ankle coverage, making them perfect for wet and muddy areas. Lightweight canvas sneakers, when treated with water-resistant sprays, offer breathable comfort, while luxury designer sneakers bring a polished edge to rainy-day outfits.

Beyond variety, sneakers are versatile enough to be styled with almost anything. They pair effortlessly with jeans, casual dresses, skirts, and even semi-formal wear, proving that functionality does not have to cancel out fashion.

In a season where safety and comfort are just as important as appearance, sneakers strike the perfect balance.

For today’s fashion-conscious individual, sneakers are more than footwear; they are the rainy season’s ultimate companion, blending necessity with style in every stride.

By: Georgina Boadiwaa Ntim

Fashion

ATU students turn on style at fashion show

Elegance and style took centre stage as the final year students of the Department of Fashion and Textiles at the Accra Technical University (ATU) exhibited their designs at the National Theatre in Accra.

Amidst some soulful melodies, students cat-walked the runway with striking fusion of African prints, assorted fabrics drawing inspiration from themes like nature and cultural heritage.

Themed ‘Promoting African heritage: our pride, our passion’ the event saw 421 students showcasing not only a fulfilled academic requirement but also served as a platform to ignite creativity and innovation among students.

With a focus on encouraging budding designers to carve a niche for themselves, the event resonated with the spirit of originality.

Head of Department of Fashion and Textiles at ATU, Dr Emma Donkor, urged students to use fashion as a tool to tell their story in order to promote and preserve cultural identity.