The Accra Technical University’s (ATU) Fashion Department held its highly anticipated annual Exhibition and Fashion Show for final year students on Thursday, August 17, and Friday, August 18, 2023. The event took place at the University Auditorium and showcased a mesmerizing array of fashion and textile designs that explored the theme “Think Global, Wear Local: Propelling the wheels of creativity and sustainability through Fashion.”
With an impressive lineup of about 342 fashion and textile designs, the exhibition took attendees on a journey of imagination and innovation. Each design depicted various concepts and themes such as “beauty and femininity,” “reflection,” and “taste of life,” which artfully paid homage to the overarching theme of the event.
The event was inaugurated by the Acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, who symbolically cut the ribbon to mark the commencement of the exhibition. Prof. Acakpovi emphasized the importance of nurturing students’ creativity and innovation, as well as celebrating the Fashion Department’s contributions as the university gears up to celebrate its 75th anniversary next year. He expressed his optimism that the showcased designs and craftsmanship would leave a lasting impact in the world of fashion, contributing to the reputation of ATU’s graduates.
Speaking about the exhibited designs, Prof. Acakpovi noted, “As a TVET institution, we value the skill and knowledge of our students and how they bring it to the public through things that are not only knowledge-based but skill-based.” “Our target is that they will continue to innovate and fill various institutions in the country and create lots of jobs because they have been empowered with entrepreneurial skills,” he added.
Ms. Catherine Adu, the Head of the Fashion Department, expressed her admiration for the exceptional displays and praised the students’ dedication to their craft. She affirmed that the students’ well-equipped skill sets and innovative designs poised them for success in the professional world of fashion. “Our students have demonstrated not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of how fashion can intersect with broader themes of sustainability and creativity,” Ms. Adu commented.
The highlight of the event will be the runway show scheduled for the following day at the prestigious National Theatre. The students will take to the runway to model their designs, allowing the culmination of the two-day event to shine on an even grander stage.
As the ATU Fashion Department’s Exhibition and Fashion Show draws to a close, it leaves behind a trail of inspiration, innovation, and creativity, echoing the sentiment that fashion can be a powerful force for both global consciousness and local sustainability. With a display that reverberates with the vision of “Think Global, Wear Local,” the event is set to make a lasting impression on the world of fashion.
