Woman Crush: Akosua Afriyie-Kumi
A Ghanaian native after a time in London, Akosua Afriyie-Kumi graduated from Kingston University London with a BA (hons) Fashion degree and amassed an impressive resume of fashion industry experience. From a fashion designer to co-owner of a fashion brand and now creative director of her own brand A A K S, this has resulted in a broad knowledge of the industry from all sides.
Akosua is a fashion designer based in Ghana. She has a passion for creating beautiful handcrafted bags woven by a community of women and men’s co-operative in Northern Ghana. After interning and working with fashion designers such as Peter Pilotto, Matthew Williamson and William Tempest in London, she embarked on her own path in 2013 to set up A A K S in Ghana and in her own words,
“I thought I was a little mad to leave the comfort of a salaried job in London to start up a business in Ghana that I knew little of. Yet upon reflection I am thankful that I trusted my curiosity enough to forge a path for me.”
A A K S is a luxury accessories brand that creates handcrafted quality bags in modern styles whilst maintaining the spirit of Africa through traditional methods of weaving with bright exuberant colours. Our design philosophy prioritises attention to detail, authenticity of technique and ethical values to shape a truly unique product.
Since launching in 2014, A A K S has been shortlisted as an emerging designer from Africa by Vogue Italia, featured by Elle Decoration South Africa, Forbes Woman Africa,WGSN, Fashion Revolution and Guardian UK.
From a small town in the Upper Eastern corner of Ghana using local age old weaving techniques, to selling her bags in 33 stores in 8 countries worldwide in her first year of business, this beautiful fashion designer does not only make beautiful luxury bags, she makes them sustainably whilst providing employment for the community and sustaining weaving as a thriving art.
We admire Akosua for her hard work, ambition and of course for the beautiful African luxury bags she is putting forward.