Fashion
Fashion & art are powerful tools to raise awareness – Dr. Rasha Kelej
The Chief Executive Officer,(CEO) of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej has said that Fashion and art have a purpose beyond just entertainment.
According to her, she believes that fashion and art are powerful tools to address and raise awareness on pressing and sensitive social and health issues in Africa and beyond.
Speaking at the launch of “Our African” television show at the Labadi Beach Hotel on Sunday, July 3, 2022, Dr. Kelej said “I came up with the idea of this informative yet entertaining show.”
She added that the TV show, which will air every Sunday at 2 pm on GH One TV, in Ghana “ is a first-of-its-kind set to be the voice of the voiceless and break the silence about many critical and sensitive social and health issues in Africa. I have conceptualised, produced, directed, and hosted this Pan African show.”
to create awareness
The CEO of Merck Foundation revealed that the show will features African fashion designers, singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa.
Dr. Kelej added that “Our Africa” TV programme will address various critical and sensitive health issues like Diabetes Awareness, Breaking Infertility Stigma, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, Stopping GBV and Supporting Girl’s Education. The rest are Women’s Empowerment, the Importance of promoting a Healthy Lifestyle, Sustainability and up-cycled fashion, Coronavirus Awareness and many more.
She noted that each episode would deal with a different topic and “looking good and we must make the most out of these platforms to advocate for the causes we work towards every day.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
