Fashion
Celestine is creative- Patmens
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Patmens Clothing, Ms Patience Mensah, has described gospel artiste, Celestine Donkor as versatile.
This is because “she sketches her own design on paper to help me understand what she wants and how she wants her dress to be made.”
“She always comes up with an idea of how she wants her outfit to be”
Ms Mensah said Celestine was introduced to her by a friend, Linda, from Insaaniyya Secondary School at Bodwoase in the Central Region.
She explained that making clothes for Celestine had opened up a lot of opportunities for her adding that “She gives me regular mentions and tags on social media platforms.”
When asked why she always left materials at Celestine’s back and side of her outfit, Patmens explained that because of the gospel artiste’s body size, she preferred to cover her back and other parts to avoid showcasing her body.
The evergreen gospel artiste, Celestine Donkor has described her stylist as very talented because “she is the only designer who makes my clothes the way I want it”. Because has worked with a lot of artistes she prefers Patmens’s handy works to other designers having dealt with her for the past four years.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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
Reinventing African prints through blouse fashion
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
