Celebrating Kofi Ansah
There could not have been a more appropriate theme Celebrating an Icon when protégés of the late astute fashion designer, Kofi Sasraku Ansah, relived his life and works with a fashion show last Friday at the Labadi Beach Hotel.
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It was a night to appreciate the creativity of a man widely seen to have helped change the face of fashion in Ghana and beyond. The award winning designer who insisted his clothes must always tell a story passed on last year on May 3 aged 62.
Designers whose collections graced the catwalk include Allan David, House of Eccentric Clothing, Greg Nallem of Nallem Clothing, Kwab Asamoah of Kustom Looks Clothier, Sub-Saharan by Sammi Laryea, Comfort Zone, Nathaniel Nunoo, Lesley Wiredu of Chapter One, Mina Evans, African Novelty and Kati Torda of Sun Trade Ltd .
The evening kicked off with the showing of a video of Kofi Ansah’s first international fashion show in Brussels which livened the moods of the patrons for the evening.
The first segment dubbed, Kofi Ansah Signature Collection saw young designers such as Leslie Owiredu, Nathaneli Nunoo, Nina Evans, Kwame Wiafe and Sammi Laryea showcased to the world what they learnt from their “master”.
The varied designs of avant-garde, African prints and the tie and dye were obviously an eye opener for the fashion lovers present. But the following set of designs by the “senior protégés” as announced by the host of the event, Doreen Andoh was simply awesome.
The models confidently hit the runway in designs by House of Eccentric, Nallem Clothing, Dreams of Nana, Allan David, Custom Look Bespoke and Karim Issaka of Rim Artex designs.
The second segment dubbed Kofi Ansah Ashanti Kente Collections explored the use of Kente in different outfits. Talk of casual, formal and evening wears, the designers boldly projected the richness of Kente much to the admiration of the audience.
The night could not have ended without a tribute and the task was ably handled by his longtime friend, Sandy Osei- Agyeman of MVP who extolled his virtues in the fashion world.
In addition to the spectacular design showcased, there was a music performance by Ewurakua Okyir of Soul Clinic International School. And Madam Doris Kuwornu performed a poetry recital in his memory.
Kofi Ansah who founded the ArtDress Fashion House was widely admired for his iconic garments which were identified by the small bronze heads that hang on the back as well as the front pocket hooks of his shirts and other prominent places on his couture dresses.