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| Myself, Ojeanne and Naomi |
The fashion industry in Ghana has not been an easy one. Surviving such industry comes with its own challenges, let alone being recognized and appreciated for your work.
A couple of weeks back, I was invited to judge on the panel of Ghana Fashion Awards with 2 other ladies, Jeanne Oti, a Fashion Consultant and Naomi Nelson Barnes of Global Media Alliance Broadcasting Company. I accepted this task knowing how tough it will be judging from a nominee list of very deserving ones. As someone personally looking forward to seeing fashion brands grow through effective PR strategies and promotions, Ghana Fashion Awards was an opportunity to support in a way possible.
Awards are necessary for the growth of every industry and the fashion industry is no exception. Whereas there are very few fashion awards in the Ghanaian fashion industry, designers and personalities are vehemently working to gain not just the attention of industry persons but also create and promote creativity and business opportunities for many.
It’s on this basis the Ghana Fashion Awards was established in 2010.
Currently in its 6thedition, this year’s event organized by e.tv Ghana was held at the Mercedes Benz Showroom, Silver Star Towers last Saturday and hosted by Fati Shaibu and DJ Advicer both from Global Media Alliance.
Ghana Fashion Awards was established to put the spotlight on creative and innovative players in the industry, to enhance their visibility and promote their works. These they believe will bring these players together to network and connect with each other as well as collaborate for future projects.
On the night, Sandra Ankobiah and Okyeame Kwame were awarded Female and Male Celebrity Fashion Icons of the Year respectively.
Other awardees were Sima Brew-Designer of the Year, Atto Tetteh-Emerging Designer, Joyce Owusu (Purple Trendz)-Accessory Designer of the Year (Jewelry), Mpaboa -Accessory Designer of the Year (Bags, Sandals), Meek Ghartey-Male Model of the Year, Leana Apenteng-Female Model of the Year and Duke Tetteh Quarshie (Focus gh)-Fashion Photographer of the Year.
The biggest on the night was also the induction of Madam Joyce Ababio, founder of Joyce Ababio College of Creative Design into the Ghana Fashion Awards Hall of Fame for her immense contribution to the fashion industry in Ghana through education and mentoring. A moment was also taken to remember last year’s recipient, the late Kofi Ansah.
Typical of most fashion events, there was a fashion runway show by some the immediate past students and current students of Joyce Ababio College of Creative Design (JACCD) and also a performance from sultry singer eShun.
The event had attendees from both the fashion and entertainment industry gracing the event.
I know people have asked questions like; Faith how come we didn’t hear about this year’s award? How come we were not nominated even though we have worked hard all year through?
From a PR Specialist’s perspective, I will say:
- Always look out for all awards in your industry and apply for it when nominations are open
- Explore several other opportunities that will grow your business beyond your passion for fashion into a huge successful fashion house.
- Promote your work and creativity through both the traditional and digital media as several opportunities awaits in this social media era
- Don’t disrespect awards given to you by ignoring your nomination. Awards builds up your brand profile
- Note to organizers:· Offer great incentives to attract people to aspire to be nominated as they know the opportunities that comes with winning an industry award. This will motivate them to work hard to earn the spot of being a nominee and possibly a winner.
In my TOTALLY ETHNIK dress 
Congratulations to all winners! Never stop at building a strong recognisable brand.
Faith Senam Ocloo
Fashion Public Relations
Fashion I Beauty I Lifestyle I Arts
Fashion Public Relations
Fashion I Beauty I Lifestyle I Arts
