The British Council in Accra hosts a groundbreaking event that merges digital innovation with African fashion, featuring virtual reality and sustainable craftsmanship.
On March 22, 2025, the intersection of fashion and technology was prominently displayed at the British Council in Accra during the TechStitched Ghana event. A collaboration between Accra Fashion Week and the British Council Ghana, the exhibition focused on the transformative potential of digital innovation, virtual reality, and sustainable craftsmanship within the African fashion scene.
Initially scheduled for Accra Fashion Week 2024, the event faced a delay due to contractual obligations between the British Council and the designers participating in the TechStitched training program in Ethiopia. However, the anticipation leading up to the event appeared to enhance its impact. The evening attracted approximately 140 guests, including fashion designers, students, and industry leaders. A unique aspect of the event was the opportunity for 30 attendees to engage directly with revolutionary virtual reality technology.
The showcase featured a range of digital demonstrations, including intricately woven textiles and avant-garde designs enhanced by artificial intelligence, offering insights into the future of fashion. The event highlighted innovative fashion as not solely reliant on tradition, but as a fusion of artistry and modern technology.
Prominent brands that stood out on the runway included Alkebulan Print, known for its bold, African-inspired prints; FOHRELLA x FashionGHANA, which combined innovation with elegance; and Style by Magbrien, featuring a collection from Abigail Boison, who represented Ghana at TechStitched in Ethiopia. Boison’s collection captivated attendees with its blend of Ethiopian craftsmanship and Ghanaian creativity, stemming from her training in traditional weaving and dyeing techniques.
A significant draw of the event was the introduction of virtual reality to the African fashion narrative, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the journeys of designers like Boison as they experienced spinning and weaving workshops through a digital lens. This immersive aspect served to illustrate the evolving nature of fashion and its potential future within a digital landscape.
Adding to the informative atmosphere was a panel discussion featuring leading figures in African fashion and innovation. Andrew Entsua-Mensah, Project Manager for Arts & Culture at the British Council Ghana, delivered a noteworthy address that emphasized the organization’s commitment to promoting innovation and creative collaboration within the continent’s fashion industry.
As the evening concluded, attendees mingled while enjoying finger foods and engaged in conversations surrounding the implications of technology on future fashion trends in Africa. The event encapsulated a sense of excitement surrounding the evolving definition of fashion, which now includes a strong emphasis on intelligence, sustainability, and digital transformation.
TechStitched Ghana has positioned itself as a beacon of innovation, suggesting that Africa is not merely a follower of global fashion trends but actively participating in the creation of new directions. The successful fusion of African heritage with technological advancements signals a promising path forward for the continent’s fashion industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
