The Off-White brand has always been known for blending high fashion with street culture, and its new designer, Ibrahim Kamara, is continuing that legacy with a fresh perspective rooted in his recent experience in Ghana. Following in the footsteps of the late Virgil Abloh, the Ghanaian-American founder of Off-White, Kamara’s latest collection draws inspiration from a country with deep significance for both the brand and himself. 

In a recent interview with Vogue magazine, Kamara shared how his 3-week trip to Ghana served as the creative spark for the collection. “It feels like coming home for Off-White and for me as well,” Kamara said backstage at the show. As a stylist constantly in motion, Kamara connected with Ghana’s vibrant energy, finding inspiration in the markets, fabrics, and local artisans. This experience shaped the foundation of the collection, which he named ‘Duty Free’. 

Kamara explained the concept behind the name, saying, “You’ve come to New York, you’re young, you’re sexy, and you’re confident because you’re a global traveler.” This idea of being a citizen of the world aligns with Kamara’s own jet-setting lifestyle, while paying homage to Ghana, a country that has had a profound influence on both his personal and professional life.

The connection to Ghana is not only personal for Kamara but also symbolic for the brand. Virgil Abloh, who tragically passed away in 2021, was born to Ghanaian immigrant parents and often referenced his Ghanaian heritage in his work. For Kamara, the trip to Ghana felt like a full-circle moment for Off-White, merging the brand’s origins with his own creative vision.

Kamara’s ‘Duty Free’ collection serves as a testament to the power of cultural influence, showing how global experiences can merge with the local spirit of Ghana, a place rich in history, creativity, and craftsmanship. However it could be argued that the inspiration is actually from the increase of second hand clothing in Ghana that is shipped to Ghana in the millions every month. The people have learned to mix these western garments with their local style.

Kamara leading the Off-White brand will hopefully continue to honor its founder’s legacy while charting a bold, new direction that still is rooted someway Ghanaian culture.

Fashion Connect Africa had its second edition this past weekend at Movenpick Ambassador Hotel featuring panel discussion on the business of fashion and runway shows showcasing some of the best emerging talent in Africa. The African fashion industry continues to be a growing force as it grows every year and its influence is felt all over the world. The global fashion industry is worth $2.5 trillion dollars and employs over 60 million people worldwide. In Sub-Saharan Africa, its said that the industry is worth over $31 Billion.

Fashion Connect Africa is the brainchild of International Model, Victoria Michaels who says that “The future is bright for African fashion.” She strongly believes that by pooling our resources throughout the continent it’s possible to achieve much more in the industry. She says we can have greater impact, efficiency and shift towards more sustainability. She has a vision of Africa being a part of contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improve peoples lives while making a positive impact on our environment.

The weekend began with a panel discussion, ‘Business of Fashion’ which featured Renee Neblett, Founder and Director of the Kokrobitey Institute, Yvonne Ntiamoah, Creative Education Consultant, Clara Pinkrah-Sam, CEO and Creative Director of Clatural and Sammy Oteng of The OR Foundation. The discussion on sustainability in the fashion business was very important in light of Ghana being one of the major dumping grounds for used clothing that is shipped from abroad. Sammy Oteng said that over 50 million pieces of clothing are shipped into Ghana on a daily basis. Considering the population of Ghana is approximately 30 million, that’s an excessive amount of clothing coming into the country every day. “Second only to the oil industry, the textile industry is the greatest polluter,” said Neblett, whose fashion brand WOTE repurposes the fabrics of second hand clothing to create something new. She also went on to say that everything can be done so that the industry creates jobs while still respecting the environment.

The fashion show featured two designer showcases that were supported by Woodin and GTP textiles, while the Gala Showcase featured designers who created using their own fabric choices. Designers in the Wonders of Woodin showcase included, Clatural, Vogue by Animwaa, Maison Midekor, Kokude and Sante Trend. The Grand GTP showcase featured Eugene d’Wise, Nicoline GH, Bri Wireduah, Jay Ray and Quophi Akotuah. The finale Gala Showcase included WOTE, Masantewaa Emporium, BROOTS Fashion, Paon, MOD and MMH (Me, Myself & Him).

By: Ivy Prosper

“This goes to uncle Pat Thomas, the golden voice of Africa,” Attah-Mensah said, “In appreciation for your lifelong dedication to the creative arts, for leaving an indelible legacy, for being a shining black star. For this, Africa says thank you.”  Thomas received his honour to applause and thanked God for giving him the strength to take the award. “I would like to congratulate the organizers of this proram for remembering me.”  He thanked his fans for supporting him in his career and acknowledged his wife. 

Nigerian Actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) was also given special recognition with a Black Star Honour award at the event. He’s made his mark in the film and television industry since the 1980s and continues to be an important part of the creative arts industry in Africa. “This is a very big thank you to the organizers of this event. I’m super thankful, super grateful to Ghana, which is like my second home,” Mofe-Damijo said while accepting his award.  He also walked down the runway with the designer for MUDI Africa after the collection was shown at the event. 

The theme of this year’s Rhythms on da Runway was ‘The Masquerade’, intended to be a response to the wearing of masks we’ve become so accustomed to due to the pandemic. The set design both in the show and outside the event provided the perfect setting for attendees to take in the atmosphere and showcase the best of African fashion. Designers that showed collections included Nadrey Laurent, Aha Brands, Senyo Foli, and Mary Martin.  Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), is the man behind the event and he said the goal was to bring a vision to life that embodies the spirit of Pan Africanism. He says the dream is making the event one that attracts beyond the African diaspora. His brand Nineteen57 featured a military-inpisred collection with some of his most creative looks on the runway.  Twenty-two year old Charles Sogli, known as one of the tallest people in Ghana, had the chance to strut down the runway for the first time and received cheers from the crowd.  

Music artists that performed at the event included Efya, Kidi, D-Black, Epixode, Adina, Elsie Duncan Williams and Samini.

Rhythms on da Runway (RODR) had it’s official launch event on 7th October at the African Regent Hotel.  The setting for the event was at the poolside with a stage set for performances to entertain guests to give them a taste of what’s to come at the event on 4th December.  Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), is Chief Executive Officer of Nineteen57, award-winning broadcaster and founder of Rhythms on da Runway.

The show will take place at the Accra International Conference Centre and feature designers and musicians that represent Africa and the global diaspora community.  This year’s edition is the 9th installment of Rhythms on da Runway and the theme is ‘The Masquerade’.

Last year’s event was limited in numbers and focused on Ghanaian designers due to border closures and restrictions from the covid-19 pandemic.  This year the world has eased restrictions and travel has resumed with some semblance of normalcy.  “As the world begins to open up again….we continue to be admonished to stay in our masks,” said Yvonne Ocloo, Creative President RODR. ”The Masquerade is aimed at chronicling the times, showing our resilience and once again by making fashion of the situation and potentially throwing way back to the times when a Masquerade ball was a thing.”

Some of the designers slated to showcase at the event include Nadrey Laurent, Senyo Foli, Katie O, Pernia Couture, Nineteen57, Attoh Andoh and Gloria Sarfo.  

Rhythms On Da Runway has been known to give honors to those in the industry that have made an impact.  This year the event will honour two icons in the creative arts industry.  Richard Mofi Damijo (RMD) and Pat Thomas. Damijo is a Nigerian actor, writer, and producer with over two decades in the business and Thomas is a legendary Ghanaian musician with over five decades in the music industry.  It’s going to be a highlight of the event to see two icons in Africa’s entertainment industry be recognized for their work which has impacted so many.

KOD says he’s excited about this year’s event because it will prove once again why Rhythms on da Runway continues to be Africa’s premier night of music and fashion.

By: Ivy Prosper