Fashion
The journey of Adonko: The timeless elegance of Ghana’s mesh weaving hairstyle
The mesh weaving hairstyle in the olden days was a dominant and formal technique used for creating an African hairstyle known as ‘Adonko.’
It was considered a symbol of beauty among women and young ladies during the time, and it continues to thrive, particularly in rural areas.
Adonko is a popular hairstyle in Ghana that involves braided cornrows with extensions for added length and volume.
Hairdressers who possess the necessary skills are typically the ones entrusted with this art.
They meticulously divide the hair into various sections, using a comb and braid each portion from the roots and incorporate extensions to achieve the desired length and thickness.
It comes in various styles, depending on what a client desires.
Adonko hairstyles ranges from Adonko Cornrows which are braided in patterns and designs, Adonko Feed-in Braids which are made from hair extensions for length and volume, Adonko Fulani Braids which are made from smaller cornrows, beads, and hair accessories inspired by the Adonko style and the last being Adonko Tribal Braids which are made from twists and patterns from the Adonko design.
These hair artisans then skillfully style the braids into various patterns like buns or ponytails, securing them with hair ties or pins.
To enhance the hair’s beauty, they often adorn it with beads or other hair accessories to add a touch of elegance.
Sixty-seven years after Ghana’s independence, Adonko has stood the test of time, remaining a cherished hairstyle in Ghanaian culture.
By Georgina Boadiwaa Ntim
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
