Ghanaian Fashion designer launches Ethically-Made Luxury Accessories

Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, a Ghanaian Fashion designer has launched a new fashion brand producing raffia bags handmade by a women’s cooperative in Bolgatanga, Northern Ghana.

A A K S brand produces luxurious handmade accessories using ethical processes and age-old craft traditions not often seen beyond the borders of Ghana.

Akosua is keen to show the world how luxury and quality can grow from traditional designs and is using A A K S to change perceptions of Africa through fashion.

The young fashion designer set up A A K S in Ghana in 2013 after interning and working with fashion designers such as Peter Pilotto, Matthew Williamson and William Tempest in London.

The new brand seeks to showcase the unlimited possibilities for the fashion and textile industries in Ghana.

A A K S uses skills and techniques that are unique to this part of Ghana. Craftsmanship is the foundation of this luxury brand. It takes approximately one week to complete a handbag which attests to an unwavering dedication to modern style and interpretations using traditional methods.

Each bag, which is handmade, bears the fingerprints of the person who fashioned it and a signature tag is added to prove authenticity.

Akosua is building an African brand ethically and conscientiously one handbag at a time.

She has showcased her work internationally in Milan and London.