From November 6 to 8, the eighth edition of the Glitz Africa Fashion Week took place in three locations: Untamed Empire, Grand Arena, Accra International Conference Centre and the Octagon. This unprecedented location spread was to give the audience a unique experience per show.
Despite the disruption in the social climate because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Glitz Africa brand was determined to keep the event alive to support the fashion industry during these challenging times as well as bring together the fashion community to interact in a safe way.
‘Free Street’ – the streetwear fashion show was held on Friday, November 6 at the Untamed Empire which featured designers such as: Daniks Peters, Olk Studios, Fear No Man, The Slum Studios, Subwae Studios, Vigiforce, Afrovolf, Darkor and Kojo Kusi.
On Saturday, November 7, the annual Business of Fashion Seminar took place in the morning at the Grand Arena, Accra International Conference Centre with fashion designers Mai Atafo (Atafo Official), Chiedza Makonnen – (Afrodesiac Worldwide) and Ann McCreath – (KikoRomeo) speaking on ‘Tackling imitation among designers’; and Anna Toure (Founder, founder of ANNA TOURE PR agency); Tonyi Senayah, (CEO, Horseman Shoes), Roberta Annan (Founder, African Fashion Foundation) and designer Ejiro Amos Tafiri speaking on ‘Building a distinctive fashion brand’.
It was followed by a photo exhibition ‘Frame It’ with photographers; Agbesi Amekudzi, Kwabena Boakye Akwaboah, Kwame Koda, Ansah Ken, Obe Images, Albert Chime and Nana Kweku Sekyi displaying some of their best works to the guests.
The runway shows followed afterwards featuring designers such as: Atto Tetteh, Kojo Boadi, Kokudé, Larry Jay, Nyonuvi, Zyellegant, Selina Beb, Jants Collection, Quophi Akotuah with Christie Brown closing the show with a stunning collection.
GAFW also partnered with the African Fashion Foundation on the annual Young Design Talent to give emerging designers the opportunity to be groomed by industry players and showcase their collections to the fashion audience. Christopher Akpo (of Subwaestudios brand) and Daniel Opoku (of Nasarks brand) emerged as the top two winners of the project to showcase on the runway. The Lotte as well as the African Fashion Foundation also collaborated on a Kayayie Collection featuring designers: Ophelia Crossland, Velma’s Millinery and Accessories and Torlowei which was also showcased on the runway.
On Sunday, November 8, the runway show moved to the Octagon rooftop which featured designers such as: Chocolate Clothing, House of Paon, Nyonuvi, Afrodesiac Worldwide, Jermaine Bleu with Duaba Serwa closing the show amidst applause from the audience.
Personalities who graced the show included Nana Kwame Bediako, Kweku Boateng Akuoko, King Promise, Kofi Laing, Adeline Kufuor, Maataa Opare, Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, Becca, Matthew Mensah, Danny Wonders, Victoria Michaels, Ramona McDermott, Jason Boateng, TooSweet Anang, Ameyaw Debrah, Yemmey Baba among others.
GAFW20 was supported by: Beyond the Return, the African Fashion Foundation, Samsung, Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Rush Energy and Note Cosmetics.
Brands who exhibited at the retail lounge included: SC mobile from Standard Chartered Bank, Samsung Eya naturals, Kaydua luxury living, Garnier, Maybelline New York and Note cosmetics.
We can’t wait to do this again next year.
