Fashion
Making fashion statement with hats, fascinators
Hats have long been an integral part of fashion, serving not only as a functional accessory but also as a piece that can elevate an outfit and convey personal style.
Hats have been a part of human attire for centuries; while some use them to signify social status or occupation, others also wear them to even signify their religious affiliation.
In the fashion world, hats have played a significant role in various eras, from the olden days to the recent.
Today, hats continue to be a fashion staple, with designers incorporating them into their collections and celebrities and influencers showcasing them on social media.
From delicate fascinators to show-stopping ones, hats are adding a touch of glamour and composure to wedding guest outfits.
In an interview with The Spectator, the Chief Executive Officer of Mandis Expressions, Amanda Akorfa Agyeman, explained that fascinators are high society headpieces, which are also alternatives for hats.
According to her, they are fashion statements and complete one’s formal dressings at occasions, weddings and some outdoor sports events.
She also stated that sometimes one’s dress to a wedding might be very plain and a simple headpiece can add a touch of sophistication to it.
According to Ms Agyeman, the use of fascinators and hats dates back to the 18th century and it’s still trending.
By Elizabeth Agyeibea Ackon
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
