Young fashion creatives are increasingly drawing inspiration from the country’s rich cultural tapestry, infusing their work with elements that celebrate Ghanaian heritage.
In recent years, Ghana has emerged as a burgeoning hub for fashion, showcasing a unique blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary designs.
However, despite the potential for success and recognition, many of these talented individuals find themselves navigating a lonely road, fraught with obstacles that stifle their creativity and hinder their professional growth.
Although the Ghanaian fashion industry has grown in leaps over the years, Creative Director of dotMarique, Derick Acheampong, laments the journey to recognition and success remains an uphill task for many young and emerging designers.
Derick Acheampong, known in the fashion space as Marique, mentioned that although the fashion sector fell under the larger creative industry umbrella, it lacked the necessary structure to accommodate and nurture young fashion creatives.
That, he noted, had left many with little hope to forge ahead with their dreams. “I think the system generally in this country, and especially in the capital, isn’t enabling enough for young people, regardless of their background or field,” he said.
“The cost of equipment and materials you need to set up a fashion business now is ridiculous on top of the cost of rent and other stuff. I think if we are able to deal with this, every creative will enjoy their journey.
“It is hard to break into the industry. People have come and left. People may say we have social media now so it should be easier, but that’s also what even makes it challenging because there are thousands more of you competing for attention from almost the same population.”
Derick Acheampong
One of the primary challenges facing young fashion creatives in Ghana is the lack of institutional support.
Unlike in more established fashion capitals, where government initiatives and fashion councils actively promote and support emerging designers, Ghana’s young talents often find themselves isolated.
The absence of structured mentorship programs, funding opportunities, and platforms for showcasing their work leaves many young fashion creatives to fend for themselves.
As a result, the path to recognition becomes a solitary journey, with limited avenues for collaboration and feedback.
Away from that, Marique emphasized the need for collaboration among fashion creatives, stating that working in isolation could sometimes stifle creative growth.
“Prior to dotMarique, I used to make every decision about each piece by myself. As a designer, sometimes you need someone from the outside to slow down the heat in your creative process, and I think that is what working with a team has afforded me.
“Even as a duo, we still need more heads to consult with for subsequent creations. I do believe it is important to create your feeling, but it’s also very vital that you get input from other people to fine-tune it.”
Derick Acheampong
Moreover, the fashion industry in Ghana is often overshadowed by more commercial sectors, leading to a lack of investment and resources specifically aimed at nurturing young talent.
Many aspiring young fashion creatives struggle to access quality materials and production facilities, forcing them to compromise on their vision due to financial constraints.
This limitation not only stifles creativity but also perpetuates a cycle where only a few established designers dominate the market, leaving little room for newcomers to thrive.
Resilience of Young Fashion Creatives
Despite these challenges, many young fashion creatives in Ghana exhibit remarkable resilience and determination. They are finding innovative ways to overcome obstacles and carve out their own paths.
Social media has become a powerful tool for young designers to showcase their work and reach a global audience.
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow them to share their designs, connect with potential customers, and build a brand presence without the need for extensive financial investment.
Many young fashion creatives are turning to sustainable fashion practices, which not only resonate with global trends but also help them differentiate their brands.
Events like Accra Fashion Week and various pop-up markets provide platforms for young designers to showcase their work. These events not only offer visibility but also foster networking opportunities with industry professionals, potential buyers, and fellow creatives.
Offering words of encouragement to aspiring fashion designers, Derick Acheampong [Marique] urged them to be deliberate on their career choices and work hard towards building their brands.
“I will say to everyone thinking of making a career in creative art to be very intentional about it and learn every skill that you need in the specific creative path you are exploring. Don’t treat it as a second option. But most importantly, find out what others are doing, their challenges, and take a cue from it to avoid making the same mistakes.”
Derick Acheampong
The future of fashion in Ghana holds immense potential, but it requires collective effort from stakeholders, including government support, private investment, and community engagement.
While the road is lonely and fraught with challenges for young fashion creatives in Ghana, their passion, resilience, and creativity continue to shine through.
With the right support and infrastructure, the future of Ghana’s fashion industry will be as vibrant and dynamic as the talents that inhabit it.
As these young fashion creatives pave their paths, they not only contribute to the local economy but also help redefine the narrative of African fashion on the global stage.
