Celebrated Ghanaian Fashion Designer Kofi Ansah Dies

Celebrated fashion designer Kofi Ansah has died, according to reports by My Joy Online.

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Ansah died Friday, after being rushed to the hospital. The cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Ansah won a host of prestigious fashion awards, including the Ghana Quality Awards Diamond Division for clothing and textile with ArtDress Ltd. in 2003 and the Millennium 2000 African Fashion Awards.

Ansah is recognized for changing the fashion industry in Africa and is believed to have inherited his creative talents from his parents. His father, who was a creator, photographer, and classical musician, encouraged him to pursue his interest in art and design.

Ansah studied fashion design at the Chelsea School of Art in London and graduated with honors in fashion design with a distinction in design technology.

His unique eye for detail and individuality with fabrics and color afforded him recognition as a couture designer.

Ansah’s signature design was the unique use of quilting, embroidery and appliqués and were soon seen in the retail shops and boutiques of London.

They also appeared in many retail stores and boutiques in the United States, including Saks Fifth Avenue.

Kofi’s elegant designs, though western-styled, were never without the emphasis of his native homeland of Ghana.

Ansah returned to Ghana inspired to blend the richly textured and boldly colored fabrics into fashion collections that have met a strong customer following in both Ghana and abroad.

He is the brother of renowned filmmaker Kwaw Pantsil Ansah and the father of actor Joey Ansah.

Our heartfelt condolence goes out to his family and friends.