Upon graduating from the Kingston University in London with a BA honours Fashion Degree, Ghanaian fashion and accessory designer, Akosua Afriyie-Kimi found herself in a space many twenty-somethings often do: a place of limbo, transition and, above all, determination. Akosua knew she wanted to pursue a career in fashion, but it wasn’t until she returned to Ghana that her vision for her own brand started taking shape.

Growing up, Akosua was always surrounded by traditional weaving techniques in the form of handcrafted basket bags she would gift to friends and family or use as storage space. But she felt they lacked flexibility and colour and so the idea of creating foldable bags with a vibrant blend of colours was born. Following a period of research into the best fibres, Akosua opted to work with raffia as it is a good material to weave with and soft enough to experiment with different forms. As an extra bonus, the use of raffia fit in with the ethos she had envisioned for her brand, AAKS, namely that it would focus on the use of organic, renewable and biodegradable fibre.

AAKS’ handbags are fabricated in Bolgatanga, in the Northern region of Ghana. The majority of the population does not have access to electricity or water and the most common form of transport is cycling or walking. Due to the harsh weather conditions – eight months of the year have scorching temperatures of up to 45 degrees – farming is a tough livelihood and many citizens turn to basket weaving as an extra or even main source of income. By employing local artisanal weavers, Akosua is helping to empower the local community by gaining their own independence and working with new hope for the future.

Akosua feels inspired by the Ghanaian people, the environment’s colours, energy and the overall dynamism present in Africa and this can be felt in each and everyone of her AAKS collections. If you want to bring the colours of Ghana to your summer experience, you best be strutting down the promenade in one of AAKS beautiful designs!