A Fashion Night event held as part of the Ashanti Festival 2025 served as a vibrant platform to highlight local talents and indigenous craftsmanship in dressmaking and related sectors.
The event brought together a diverse collection of designers and entrepreneurs in the fashion industry from across the Ashanti Region.
Spearheaded by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the goal of the festival is to provide a platform for individuals whose works often go unnoticed due to limited exposure.
The Fashion Night featured a wide array of artisans including Kente weavers, bead designers, bespoke tailors, shoemakers, hat creators, and more, transforming Rattray Park in Kumasi into a dynamic fashion marketplace.
One of the standout participants was Baffoe Polo, a fashion house established in 2020, specializing in African prints. The brand seeks to retell the African story through fashion.
Head of Sales, Nana Kojo Bobie Ansah, emphasized the importance of the event for emerging brands, stating, “It has been a successful program in all. We’ve made a few sales and educated a lot of people about our brand and what we’re into. We hope the Ashanti Festival becomes something we do every six months.”
Enock Oteng Amponsah, a patron who bought clothing from Baffoe Polo, commended the brand’s creativity. “Their clothes are catchy and their designs are unique,” he said. “If it [Ashanti Festival] continues, more people in the supply chain will get job opportunities.”
Afia Nyame, Creative Lead of Kente Vogue, traced her inspiration back to her mother, who sold Kente pieces to support their family. “Growing up, I saw my mum sell Kente pieces, she carried them on her head to cater for us. I took it from her and now sell it on social media and in a shop,” she shared.
Afia noted the event’s significant impact, saying that many people have now discovered her brand, allowing her to shift from hawking to reaching a broader audience.
Patron Yaa Yeboah Kamah, who was invited by a friend, praised Kente Vogue’s affordable pricing. “Their prices are very low and very nice. You won’t find them in the market, but when I came here, I saw different kinds of Kente which made me patronize them,” she said.
She joined others in calling for the festival to be an annual event to continue supporting local designers.
With high attendance and exciting support from both vendors and buyers, the Ashanti Festival 2025 has proven to be a turning point for fashion entrepreneurs in the region, blending heritage, innovation, and community empowerment.