The fashion industry cannot thrive without events. Events are a great opportunity for fashion enthusiasts, industry experts, influencers and key leaders to come together to network, share ideas and build connections. Although this year has been a challenging one, it was also eventful as a number of shows and events took place regardless.
In this piece, we took a trip down memory lane from the start of the year and looked at the top fashion shows and events that have taken place within the fashion industry. From runway shows and presentations, exclusive designer events, and fashion themed events.
Here’s a list of some of the top events that took place in Ghana for the year 2023.
Debonair Afrik’s #TEMBRUNCH
We started off the year with the usual, Debonair Afrik’s #TEMBRUNCH which has become the official New Year party for many fashion enthusiasts in Ghana. It’ is usually held on January 2 each year with a specific theme where attendees are encouraged to dress according to the theme. As 2023 will have it, the theme was “The Renaissance of Disco” and as many as could, made sure to interpret that in their best possible way.
The good news is, plans are already underway for the 2024 edition. Check out their page here for details.
Abrantie The Gentleman’s Level in Style
Renown Ghanaian Designer, Abrantie The Gentleman this year in April organised a night of fashion dubbed “Level in Style” with some selected fashion designers at the Level Bar and lounge, Osu. The event saw in attendance industry personalities, celebrities, influencers and fashion enthusiasts.
Kumasi Fashion Week
Usually in May each year, all roads lead to Kumasi the Garden City for Kumasi Fashion Week. This year’s event featured designers such as Niposkin, Metakay, Groomsmen, Kiffi, Tiag Couture and many more. It started off with a Seminar, and then the main show and rounded up with a Fashion Networking Brunch.
Ghana Menswear Week
Ghana Menswear Week is a premier platform dedicated to elevating men’s fashion. Held annually in August in the vibrant city of Accra, Ghana Menswear Week is your gateway to the cutting edge of menswear design within the African continent. This year’s event marked the introduction of the street wear show dubbed “Abonten.” It featured some of the top menswear designers in Ghana Nigeria and Benin, such as Kojo Boadi, Groomsmen, Niposkin, Madxlee, TEED amongst several others.
Debonair Afrik’s Style Lounge
Style Lounge Platform is a Presentation Showcase that happens annually for young and emerging designers in the country. This year’s event took place in August at the Mix Hub and was themed” WABASO: Cocoon To Butterfly contemporary fashion exhibition celebrates the growth and transformation of fashion designers in the Ghanaian fashion industry. It featured designers like Metakay, Boye Doe, Koffimaako, Kayadua Studios, Complex Departments amongst others.
OR’s Obroni Wawu October
OWO took place this year in October and was the 2nd edition after the maiden edition last year. This year’s event brought together several attendees such as oyaadeeyie (local tailors), designers, thrift vendors together to celebrate Kantamanto’s creativity and to highlight up cycling and sustainability in fashion.
Rhythms on Da Runway
Rhythms on Da Runway took place again this year with the theme, “The Aqua Edition” which aims to raise awareness about the effects of water pollution and how it affects us all. This year’s event also took place in November and featured designers such as Ophelia Crosslands, Velma Accessories, Kustom Looks, ZaQi, Tetteh Plahar, Peter Kanye amongst others.
FashionGHANA’s Accra Fashion Week
This year’s event was held at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and had about 17 countries representing according to the oganisers. The 5-day event was packed with several activities such as the Meet the Designers, the Swimwear Show, African Fashion Summit, Fashion Shows and After Party.
The new twist this year was the main show was held in the day from 1pm to 6pm unlike previous years where fashion shows were held in the evening. Some of the designers that showcased were Katie’O, The Dressmakers GH, Maria Akpess, Hemade, Abena Yawson, Ufefineu, Arisar amongst several others.
Global Fashion Week
This year’s Global Fashion Week Africa took a different twist as it was held in partnership with the Australian High Commission in Ghana hence the venue of the show. The 2 day event featured designers such as Chapters Couture, Yevu Clothing, Abrantie The Gentleman, Jay Ray Fashion, Atto Tetteh, QA Man, Bush Weave amongst several other designers.
In Conclusion
2023 has finally come to an end and we are proud to see that fashion producers and organisers have managed to pull off successful events with very limited resources amidst all the challenges that comes with planning.
Although we did not see the likes of Glitz Africa Fashion Week and Fashion Connect Africa this year, we are hopeful they’ll bounce back in 2024. We look forward to more exciting events in the coming year.
Did we miss any events, comment below by adding to the list.