 |
| 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 6th
edition, 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
