Evolution of sneakers from athletic wear to fashion icon

Sneakers have evolved from functional athletic footwear to a fashion staple, with various styles and collaborations driving their popularity.

Interestingly, the sneaker industry has become a significant sector in fashion, with luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada incorporating sneakers into their collections.

From time to time, fashion weeks and runway shows feature sneakers as a key component of outfits while celebrities and influencers also showcase sneakers as a fashion statement.

Popular sneaker styles like Air Jordan 1, Adidas Superstar, Nike Air Force 1, Converse Chuck Taylor All Star, and Vans Old Skool have made a significant impact on fashion.

The fusion of sneakers and fashion has created new trends, business opportunities, and cultural phenomena, solidifying sneakers’ place in the fashion world.

This fashion trend has now made it easier for people to rock sneekers in many ways.

By Elizabeth Agyeibea Ackon

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.