Designer Spotlight: Abenaa Pokuaa of Ohema Ohene
Designer Abenaa Pokuaa fused her British upbringing and Ghanaian heritage to create Ohema Ohene, a line that is recognized internationally for its unique and colorful apparel.
inCOLOR: Have you always had an interest in working in the fashion industry?
Abenaa Pokuaa: Yes, from a very early age I have always wanted to work in the creative industries; however, initially I was contemplating on cosmetic science, but never could remember all the equations and formulas. At Secondary School you’d always find me in the textiles room making new pieces from scratch, from pattern construction. As I got older I became intrigued and inspired by corsetry and the work of Vivienne Westwood.
inCOLOR: If you could go back in time and live in any era where would you go?
Abenaa Pokuaa: Victorian period! I love their style of dress and the décor!
inCOLOR: What inspires your work?
Abenaa Pokuaa: Well of course my British up bringing and Ghanaian heritage. There is so much culture and ideas within the two. Living in London you can’t help but be inspired and with the colorful and meaningful culture of Ghana, there are way too many ideas to be explored!
inCOLOR: Do you have any style icons?
Abenaa Pokuaa: Shangai the lead singer from The Noisettes. She is a great role model and representation of a black woman: strong, sophisticated, humble and beautiful. Other celebrities that come to mind are Alexa Chung, as I see a great sense of fun in her style, Kanye West and Pharell Williams—both again strong style icons with personality written all over their dress sense. I believe the footwear and my new AW10 Menswear line would suit both.
inCOLOR: Can you give a brief description of the London fashion scene?
Abenaa Pokuaa: Fast, funky and cosmopolitan. Anything goes!
inCOLOR: How did you come up with the theme for your latest collection?
Abenaa Pokuaa: Ohema Ohene’s new SS10 mainline collection is a celebration of color and all things ethnic! The collection is a mixture of color and print influenced by West Africa with a reference to Japanese stencil designs and styling with subtle origami detailing. The footwear was a natural move on from the first range of OH! High-tops are very big this summer so it made sense to follow this through on the new line.
inCOLORDo you have a typical person in mind when you design?
Abenaa Pokuaa [A] feminine woman who knows her style and strives for that something special. My cut is designed to give curves and shape where there may not be or compliment curves that already are.
inCOLOR What are some sacrifices you have for the growth of your company?
Abenaa Pokuaa: I have made a lot of sacrifices in order to get the brand running, mainly cutting back on weaves! Seriously it’s a difficult journey you need to be seriously dedicated and thick skinned. You have to know when to move and when to wait.
inCOLOR: Where can people find your creations?
Abenaa Pokuaa: Well, there is a new range out in February available on our online store. I’ve also cooked up something special for the guys, which will be out this September for the fall.
USA
Belgium
Wake Up - Brussels
UK
Allders - Croydon
The Greenwich Boutique - London
Fashion Enter - Croydon
Not On the Highstreet from March 2010
