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In the Studio: African Luxury Fashion: Designer Aisha Ayensu

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African Luxury Fashion: Designer Aisha Ayensu

15/05/2018 GMT

BBC World Service - In the Studio, African Luxury Fashion: Designer Aisha Ayensu

Afua Hirsch follows, Aisha Ayensu, as she prepares her Ghanian fashion collection

Afua Hirsch follows, Aisha Ayensu, as she prepares her Ghanian fashion collection.

Aisha Ayensu is the Founder and Creative Director of leading Ghanaian fashion house, Christie Brown. Infusing modernism into carefully crafted traditional African aesthetics, Christie Brown transcends international tastes, appealing to a diverse clientele, inspiring the cultural opulence of Africa without self compromise and with strong ethical and sustainable ambitions. Liberating and empowering women from the traditional layering of coloured fabrics, her designs are contemporary and charming. Winner of several awards the label has consistently achieved international acclaim, respect and recognition. But at what cost?
 
In one of the poorer areas of Accra, in a converted clinic, her workshop is home and work to machinists, cutters, designers and seamstresses. Fabrics sourced locally in the bustling markets and from other parts of West Africa  and the Far East, are expertly created and cut into bespoke gowns, practical day wear, women's apparel and accessories. Making bold and brazen statements, twice a year they woo and wow the critics at the Collection launches. But how does it all come together? Where does Aisha get her inspiration from and – with constant staffing and sourcing challenges - will her ambitions to produce 40 different designs in less than four months come together?
 
Broadcaster, author and fashionista Afua Hirsch follows Aisha as she prepares her Autumn/Winter 2018 Collection, from design concept and model searches to runway launch.

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