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

African fashion is experiencing a powerful renaissance, where traditional fabrics are being reimagined to fit today’s modern and stylish world.

At the heart of this transformation is the African print blouse once a sim­ple wardrobe piece, now a standout symbol of cultural pride, elegance, and creativity.

In the past, African prints were primarily used to make outfits such as kaba and slit, long gowns, or straight-cut dresses designed for weddings, church services, and festivals.

However, with evolving tastes and increasing global influence, fashion designers are now reinterpreting these traditional garments into versatile pieces that cater for the modern lifestyle.

Today, it is common to see stylish women pairing printed blouses with jeans, wide-legged trousers, or even tailored shorts effortlessly blending heritage with modernity.

This style evolution has not only refreshed wardrobes but also challenged outdat­ed notions of what African prints can represent in fashion.

This revival has been boosted by prominent African models such as Adut Akech, Mayowa Nicholas, and Maria Borges, who have graced international runways and fashion campaigns dressed in stunning African prints.

A popular style seen among design­ers today involves crafting a V-neck, three-quarter-sleeve blouse with a fitted waist and flared peplum made from Anka­ra. The design is often elevated with subtle ruffles at the hem or bead detailing along the neckline.

By Georgina Boadiwaa Ntim