The maiden Black Star Fashion Week ended on Saturday, November 7, 2026, with the Presidential Runway at the Royal Senchi Hotel in Akosombo.
The event brought together established and emerging Ghanaian designers, creative industry stakeholders, musicians and fashion enthusiasts.
Collections were presented by designers including Abrantie the Gentleman, Boyedoe, Kenneth Tetteh, Chocolate, Atto Tetteh, Quofi Akotuah, Nessa Atelier, BloombyEdzi and Adjeponmaa, alongside emerging talent from the 16-Region Designer Programme.
These were contained in a statement issued in Accra by the organisers to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Monday.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, a broadcaster, called for stronger support for Ghanaian designers and a more structured approach to developing the industry.
He advocated specialisation, higher professional standards and greater investment across the fashion value chain, and said fashion should be recognised as an economic sector capable of generating employment and supporting tourism, manufacturing and retail.
Mr Rex Owusu Marfo, the Coordinator of the Black Star Experience, urged designers to improve their craft and treat fashion as a commercial enterprise.
He said designers should pay greater attention to brand development, quality, production, marketing and commercial sustainability.
A key highlight of the evening, according to the statement, was a tribute to seven fashion icons whose work helped shape Ghana’s fashion industry.
They were Madam Joyce Ababio, Founder, JACCD Design Institute Africa; Mr Kofi Ansah, Founder, Federation of African Designers; Madam Juliana Miranda Norley Kweifio-Okai, Founder, Chez Julie; Ricci Osei of St Ossei and BRASS labels; Mr Mawuli Kofi Okudzeto was recognised for his influence on Ghanaian streetwear; Madam Nora Bannerman-Abbott, for her influence for garment manufacturing and export; and Mr Tetteh Adzedu, Founder Adzedu of Shapes.
It said Mr Ansah, Kweifio-Okai and Osei were honoured posthumously.
“Madam Ababio was recognised for integrating Kente into everyday clothing and for her contribution to fashion education. In 1995, she became the first Ghanaian designer to win Best Formal Evening Wear at Miss World. She is the founder of the JACCD Design Institute Africa.
“Ansah was recognised as a pioneer of African couture whose designs brought Ghanaian fashion to international attention,” it said.
Kweifio-Okai, who founded Chez Julie in 1960, was honoured for blending African dress with international influences.
“Osei was remembered for his St Ossei and BRASS labels and for connecting fashion with art, music and culture.
Okudzeto was recognised for his influence on hiplife fashion and Ghanaian streetwear through the MAWULI and http://MKO.GH labels,” it added.
The statement explained that Madam Bannerman-Abbott was honoured for her leadership of Sleek Garments Export Limited and her contribution to garment manufacturing and export with Mr
Adzedu, founder of Adzedu of Shapes, was recognised for his work in African menswear and traditional textiles.
He received the Principal Prince Claus Award in 1998.
The evening also featured musical performances by Okyeame Kwame and Lamisi.
The Black Star Fashion Week, held under the “PUT GHANA ON” campaign, began with the Black Star Fashion Summit in Accra on Wednesday, November 4.
Source: GNA
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