Shop the brand New Collection from A A K S

November 30, 2016

Since establishing her sustainability-focused label in 2014, Akosua Afriyie-Kumi of Ghanaian-based ethical brand A A K S has made strides with her brand. This year, she’s been shortlisted as an emerging designer from Africa by Vogue Italia, featured by Elle Decoration South Africa and Elle Spain, she participated in a panel for the Guardian UK Small Business Network and now stocks her bag collection in Anthropologie and other stores.

Returning with a brand new Spring/Summer 2016 collection that reunites impeccable craftsmanship and a raw visceral energy of new shapes, the aesthetics of the brand’s recent design work is inspired by influential Mexican architect Luis Barragán’s architectural shapes and photography balancing between structure and fluidity. These influences pulsate through the collection with contrasting colours and contemporary ease; in shades of delicate pinks, midnight blues and vibrant reds which attunes to creative director Akosua’s eye for artisanal detailing.

Pieces handmade entirely from raffia intensify the subject of the work with leather finishing and fringe detailing creating a crisp palette which brings dynamism, desirability and play into that colourful summer spirit and heritage of the brand.

It takes approximately one week to complete each handbag, which attests to an unwavering dedication to craftsmanship using traditional methods with a crisp modern style and interpretations. Unique in style and make, each bag bears the fingerprints of the person who fashioned it and a signature tag is added to prove authenticity.

Akosua has showcased her work internationally in Milan, London and Cape Town and now stocks her collection in 28 stores worldwide in 8 countries. The brand tells an exciting creative story of Ghana and entrepreneurship amongst young Africans, and women in particular, offering a different perspective and exploratory feel of the country and continent. Akosua continues to build an African brand ethically and conscientiously, one handbag at a time.

Follow A.K.K.S on Instagram.

 

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