Culture
Meet Kwame Adusei: The Ghanaian Designer Dressing Hollywood’s A-List
Ghanaian fashion designer Kwame Adusei is steadily cementing his place on the global fashion map, dressing some of Hollywood’s biggest stars while redefining gender-fluid luxury with distinctly African roots.
Adusei’s rising profile was highlighted in a 2024 Vogue feature, which described him as “quickly becoming a staple in celebrity closets.” He has also been featured in other top news media in America.
His designs—celebrated for their bold tailoring, sensuality, and exploration of androgyneity—have been worn by international stars including Beyoncé, Kylie Jenner, Lori Harvey, Kali Uchis, Ciara, and Reneé Rapp.
From Ghana to the Global Fashion Stage
Before gaining international attention, Adusei spent a decade building his craft in Ghana, where precision tailoring and construction formed the backbone of his work. That foundation, he says, shaped his ability to respond creatively under pressure.
“In Ghana, people bring two or three yards of fabric from the market and show you a picture of Beyoncé and say, ‘I want the same outfit,’” Adusei recalled in the Vogue interview. “You’d better not say you can’t make it.”
That demanding environment refined his technical skills and eye for detail, even leading him to collaborate closely with French ateliers, where he became fluent in French and deepened his understanding of couture-level craftsmanship.
A Cold Start in New York, a Creative Home in Los Angeles
Seeking new challenges, Adusei moved from Ghana to New York City, only to discover that winter was an unexpected test. “Moving straight from a tropical place to New York, you find out that the trench coat is not as warm as you think,” he joked.
He later relocated to Los Angeles, where his brand found a more natural fit. In just two years, Adusei has opened a storefront on Doheny Drive in West Hollywood, placing his label at the heart of one of the world’s most influential fashion and entertainment hubs.
African Identity at the Core
Despite relocating abroad, Adusei made a conscious decision to place his African identity at the center of his brand. He chose to name the label after himself—a move he initially found daunting.
“It is very vulnerable,” he said. “If you have your name on something, you have to earn it.”
For Adusei, the decision reflects a desire to challenge global perceptions of African fashion.
“When I moved to LA, I realized that a lot of people didn’t have a reference when it comes to African fashion,” he noted, despite the continent’s rich design heritage.
Redefining Androgyny Through Tailoring
Adusei’s work is widely recognized for its exploration of gender-neutral fashion, though he is careful to distinguish his approach from conventional menswear-inspired designs. His philosophy centers on tailoring garments to flatter women’s bodies while drawing inspiration from masculine silhouettes.
“With most gender-neutral clothing, the cut is fundamentally for the male body,” he explained. “There’s a way to cut the same fabric so the female body looks way sexier, more protected, and very comfortable.”
This balance of form and function has become a signature of his brand.
Inspired by Kente and West African Tradition
One of Adusei’s key inspirations comes from traditional West African wedding ceremonies, where families use the same Kente cloth but create unique designs through individual tailors.
“It’s the most beautiful ceremony because everybody looks very different, but it’s the same type of fabric,” he said.
While the African influence may not always be immediately visible, Adusei describes it as the “beating heart” of his fashion philosophy—informing his emphasis on individuality, craftsmanship, and cultural continuity.
Ghana on the Global Fashion Map
As Adusei’s designs continue to appear on red carpets and in high-profile editorial spreads, his journey underscores the growing global influence of Ghanaian creatives.
His success highlights how African designers are not only participating in global fashion, but actively reshaping it—on their own terms.
Festivals & Events
More Than a Festival: Why PANAFEST Is One of Ghana’s Most Powerful Cultural Experiences
The streets of Cape Coast and Elmina come alive with the beat of traditional drums, the swirl of colourful kente cloth, and the voices of visitors arriving from every corner of the world.
Elders lead solemn processions through historic streets while dancers, poets, musicians and actors transform public squares into open-air stages. Against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and centuries-old forts, PANAFEST becomes more than a festival—it becomes a homecoming.
The Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival, widely known as PANAFEST, was established in 1992 as a platform to reconnect Africa with its global diaspora.
Held every two years in August during odd-numbered years, the festival uses culture, performance, and dialogue to strengthen ties between Africans on the continent and descendants of those taken away through the transatlantic slave trade.
There are few places where its message resonates more deeply than Cape Coast and Elmina, towns that witnessed one of history’s darkest chapters.
Throughout the festival, theatre performances, concerts, poetry readings, film screenings and academic lectures explore African identity, resilience and shared heritage.
Traditional chiefs and queen mothers participate in colourful durbars, while cultural troupes fill the streets with drumming and dance that celebrate the diversity of Ghana and the wider continent.
One of PANAFEST’s most moving moments is the pilgrimage to the historic slave castles, where participants reflect on the lives forever changed by the transatlantic slave trade.
Ceremonies of remembrance, prayer and reconciliation create an emotional bridge between past and present, encouraging healing through understanding rather than forgetting.
For the people of the Central Region, PANAFEST is both a cultural celebration and a powerful reminder of their place in a global story.
Local artisans, performers and businesses welcome thousands of visitors, creating opportunities to share traditions while supporting the local economy. Young people also gain a deeper appreciation of their heritage through storytelling, exhibitions and educational programmes.
To experience PANAFEST is to witness Ghana at its most reflective and welcoming. It invites visitors not only to enjoy extraordinary music, theatre and pageantry but also to engage with stories that continue to shape Africa and its diaspora. Anyone seeking to understand Ghana’s soul will find that journey begins in Cape Coast and Elmina when PANAFEST returns.
Reels & Social Media Highlights
From Political Protests to Viral Memes: The Stories Defining Ghana’s Online World
The digital streets of Ghana are electric today, August 6, 2026, buzzing with a potent mix of political tension, viral justice, and social media drama.
It’s a day where the national conversation has been fiercely defined by a major opposition protest and a series of scandals that have captured the public’s cynical and humorous imagination.
The most explosive trend is undoubtedly the #DemocracyUnderAttack protest.
Thousands of NPP supporters, clad in black and red, marched from the Supreme Court to the Jubilee House, accusing the government of political persecution and “selective justice,” citing cases like the acquittal of former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe Attionu and the sentencing of Chairman Wontumi.
The trending hashtags #SaveGhanaNow and #SayNoToStateCapture reflect a deep-seated anxiety about democratic institutions, a conversation that has gripped the nation.
In a separate viral firestorm, the internet erupted after reports that two workers at the Kotoka International Airport were fired for allegedly begging passengers for money.
The incident sparked widespread debate and humor, with many calling it an “animguasie paa” (a disgrace) and a testament to the frustrating “begging culture” that plagues some public services.
The public reaction has been one of validation, as many travelers came forward to share similar experiences.
Meanwhile, the influencer world saw a dramatic fall from grace. An X user who launched a “Day 1 of posting Abu Trica till he’s back in Ghana” challenge surrendered after just one day, tweeting, “Chale I’ve read the case file and it’s nkwasia Adwuma, he’s not coming back”.
Chale I’ve read the case file and it’s nkwasia Adwuma , he’s not coming back . Abu I’m sorry 🙏🏻 https://t.co/D185RwwFsq
— Leo CULU Moh DON BN 69 Miami🇬🇭🇦🇷 𓃵 🫶🏽🌝💛 (@fawogyimiiko_) August 3, 2026
Abu Trica was extradited to the US for an alleged $8 million romance scam, and the public’s quick shift from support to mockery was a brutal internet spectacle.
Today’s trends reveal a Ghanaian public deeply engaged with the concepts of justice and accountability—whether on the streets or at the airport.
There is a palpable skepticism towards institutions, yet a quickness to hold individuals accountable online. The ability to turn serious issues into viral, meme-worthy moments shows the resilience and sharp wit of Ghana’s digital culture.
As the sun sets over Accra on Saturday, August 15, the city’s creative pulse will come alive at Annobil Contemporary Gallery for Voicez and Vibez.
This music festival promises an evening where live performances, artistic expression, and shared experiences take centre stage.
Running from 3:30 p.m. until late into the night, the event invites audiences to celebrate the power of music in one of Ghana’s growing cultural spaces.
Voicez and Vibez reflects a new generation of festivals shaping Ghana’s contemporary arts scene. While the country is widely recognised for traditional celebrations such as Homowo, Aboakyir and Chale Wote, events like this demonstrate how Ghana’s cultural identity continues to evolve.
They create platforms for musicians, performers and creatives to showcase original work while bringing together audiences from different backgrounds through a shared appreciation of live entertainment.
Visitors can expect an atmosphere filled with energetic performances, creative collaborations and the excitement that only live music can deliver.
Set within the artistic surroundings of Annobil Contemporary Gallery, the festival blends sound with visual creativity, making it more than a concert.
Guests can explore the venue, interact with fellow music lovers, and immerse themselves in an environment where art and performance complement one another.
Food vendors and refreshments are also likely to enhance the relaxed festival experience, allowing attendees to enjoy an evening celebrating Ghana’s vibrant creative lifestyle.
For international visitors, Voicez and Vibez offers an opportunity to experience Accra beyond its historic landmarks and beaches. It provides an authentic glimpse into the city’s youthful, innovative cultural landscape, where emerging talent and artistic experimentation thrive.
For Ghanaians, the festival is a chance to reconnect with the country’s dynamic creative community, support local artists, and enjoy an evening of unforgettable entertainment.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident of Accra, Voicez and Vibez promises a memorable celebration of music, creativity, and the vibrant spirit that continues to define Ghana’s cultural capital.
$6.9 Million Cocaine Haul Seized at Tema Port in Major Drug Bust
Middle East Tensions Won’t Trigger Fuel Shortages, Says Ghana’s Petroleum Regulator as GH¢2 Diesel Cushion Takes Effect
Top 10 Headline Stories from Ghanaian Newspapers: August 7, 2026
-
Ghana News21 hours agoMiddle East Tensions Won’t Trigger Fuel Shortages, Says Ghana’s Petroleum Regulator as GH¢2 Diesel Cushion Takes Effect
-
Ghana News2 days agoXenophobia in South Africa Exposes Deep Rifts Within AU Leadership Ahead of October Summit
-
News2 days agoTop Headline Stories from Ghanaian Newspapers: Thursday, August 6, 2026
-
Health & Wellness2 days agoThe Hidden Reason Your Back Hurts May Be Sitting in the Middle of Your Body
-
Business2 days agoFrom Raw Minerals to Luxury Brand: Ghana’s Gold Value-Addition Strategy Gains Global Momentum with UK Showroom
-
From the Diaspora2 days ago‘This Moment Is Bigger Than Relocation’: Kea Wakesho Simmons Says Africa-Diaspora Connections Should Be Built on Legacy
-
Reels & Social Media Highlights1 day agoFrom Political Protests to Viral Memes: The Stories Defining Ghana’s Online World
-
Ghana News22 hours agoTop 10 Headline Stories from Ghanaian Newspapers: August 7, 2026