Toronto-based fashion consulting company l’âme inconnue and Accra-based womenswear line Barkers-Woode, collaborate to bring you ‘Stages’ – a fashion presentation challenging gender norms hosted in a refurbished warehouse next to the Elle Lokko concept store in Osu.
l’âme inconnue is a creative management firm focused on integrating African designers into the Western market. It is the collective efforts of three Ghanaians living in Canada working with both established and emerging African designers to elevate their brand not only locally, but internationally. Handmade in Ghana, Barkers-Woode’s minimal aesthetic and clean, fluid lines. Following the immense success of designer Nina Barkers-Woode’s debut presentation, ‘New Africa’, in Toronto this past September, it was decided that the talented young designer would share her most recent sartorial work with Accra’s contemporary art and design scene.
Barkers-Woode’s latest collection ‘Stages’ showcases the different aspects of womanhood. Each stage in the collection consists of four looks:
- ● STAGE 1: ACTUALITY – Explores the stereotypical ideals that women are expected to aspire to. The garments hug the body and expose the curves of the female form.
- ● STAGE 2: LIVING AND BREATHING – There is an emphasis on the movement in each piece. These garments are shapeless with an abundance of volume in the fabrication. This stage is less about the woman’s body, and more about her emotions and movement in the clothes.
- ● STAGE 3: CHALLENGES – Inspired by androgyny, the strong and structured pieces in this stage are used to challenge the social construct of womanhood.The event will take place from 8 p.m. – 11p.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2016. Promptly at 9 p.m. a fashion presentation will showcase the designers complete line. In attendance, will be a combination of the city’s top creatives, influencers, press, and industry professionals. Sponsored by Moët Ghana, the event will be held in a refurbished warehouse (above the Elle Lokko concept store) in Osu, recreated into a living/working space for the Barkers-Woode woman. A stark, minimal loft space covered in neutrals and soft pinks makes up this creative space.
The following day, Barkers-Woode invites the public to come shop the collection at Osu womenswear boutique, Elle Lokko. A go-to for the city’s most fashionable, Elle Lokko is a unique concept space situated on the storied Lokko Road in the heart of Osu-Accra. The epitome of cool, Elle Lokko caters to the needs of the modern woman whilst promoting the contemporary, ‘Made in Africa’ designs of the continent’s young creatives and entrepreneurs.
About I’âme inconnue:
Founded by Tricia Yeboah, Janaan Issaka, and Michael Nyarkoh in the spring of 2016, I’âme inconnue is a fashion consulting firm that helps African fashion designers build their brands and establish a presence in the Western market.
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