FAB Goss: Vogue Italia Editor Feels Ghana Has More Fashion Sense than Nigeria & Togo - by Sharon Ojong

First week of January 2011, Vogue Italia Editor, Franca Sozzani visited Lagos, Nigeria with iconic Italian designer, Roberto Cavalli. The duo visited several Nigerian designer’s studios, met designers, models and other fashion insiders including bloggers and fashion retailers. But just before leaving for Nigeria, they were in Accra, Ghana. They met up with legendary Ghanaian designer Kofi Ansah, and a group of young designers from the WEB-Young Designers Hub, a new association of local young fashion designers who hosted a private runway show of their collections in her honour.

Sozzani signed autographs and took pictures with the young designers and praised the work of local designers. She further advised the designers on creativity and how to gain recognition and credit for their work.

“I believe 2012 will be a year that every corner of the world will have no choice but will see more African prints being used, hear about African fashion shows and finally many will rock the garment like never before and not just as a trend. As for Ghana, 2012 will be an explosive one we will be attending Ghana Fashion & Design Week (GFDW) to support the movement.” she said.

Franca went on to say “You have lots of potential in this country. During my stay in Africa, I visited Togo and Nigeria but it was only here in Ghana I noted an authentic sense of fashion. In designing your creations, make sure that they feature not only references to Ghanaian culture but also have an international appeal so that your garments can also be successful also abroad.”

What do you think? Keep an open mind, don’t be bias. Do you agree or not?

MY ONE CENT

This comment should be a wake up call for Nigerian Designers to transit from being glorified dressmakers and entertainers. Designing is not just making great clothes or using ankara because it’s trendy; It is also about running a successful fashion business. We have a lot to do in terms of structure, training, retailing, fashion merchandising, etc.