Fashion
Fashionprenuers focus on rebuilding sector with digital solutions in post-COVID era
The disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic on global value chain and its impact on African businesses is already evident.
As factories close, the border closures and travel restrictions interrupt supply chains, the workers – the most vulnerable and lowest paid people in the fashion supply chain – have been left to feel the worst effects.
To tackle the issue, about 88 attendees last Thursday joined a webinar hosted by the African Development Bank’s Fashionomics Africa initiative in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme to find possible solutions.
The webinar among other things, focused on building more resilient value chains through innovative business models that would use renewable materials and recycle old clothes into new products.
The panel was composed of industry experts and creative minds behind sustainable African fashion brands.
It was to enable African entrepreneurs operating in the textile, apparel and accessories industry to create and grow their businesses, with a focus on women and youth.
Participants agreed that it was important to develop a healthy fashion industry in Africa to meet the needs of consumers while others suggested a strong collaboration among fashionpreneurs to help resolve challenges faced in the industry.
As part of the forum, digital experts were also seeking to develop applications to analyse the impact of the textile sector on climate change and environment to help deploy climate-friendly solutions in Africa.
Other contributors indicated that digital tools had become a phenomenon and had revolutionised the way the fashion industry worked, hence the need to educate designers and consumers in the fashion industry.
The Fashionomics Africa initiative intends to contribute to the African Textile, Apparel & Accessories industry by increasing the number of entrepreneurs in the sector, while helping them to access markets through e-commerce capabilities, and boosting their access to finance, as well as technical and business skills, among others.
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
