Nelly Hagan-Aboagye, Creative Director at Duaba Serwaa is redefining women’s wear. With a creative use of beads in modern clothing, she is making a mark within the fashion industry and is gaining attention across the globe.
Duaba Serwa's aesthetic is a combination of innovation in detail, textures, structure and new types of volumes. Intricate beading done entirely by hand enhances all of this.
"My work is about bold effortless beauty. I pride myself in the construction of luxurious style lines which cater to the woman who prefers understatements to flamboyant extravagance."
Duaba Serwa Presents Dzuné
Dzuné means jewelry of gold in the Ghanaian language “Ga" and it is also a synonym for wealth. This collection reflects the status Gold holds within indigenous West African Culture.
From pre-colonial times it was the foundation upon which the majority of trade was founded. Its importance is further reflected in its wide use in jewelry worn by many Ghanaian tribes. Brass and Copper were also used as adornments but Gold held a place of honor amongst many tribes especially the Akan.
"Within the collection, I have modernized its functionality without diluting the strength of its purpose. By allying this with a rich tapestry of textures, volumes and further accenting this with hand crafted beading. I am hoping to convey the immense wealth that exists within African culture. This vision is encapsulated in the classic 50's silhouette bringing to life twenty five piece collection of full bodied dresses, three quarter length skirts, Gatsby pants and the signature Duaba Serwa body con." ~ Nelly Hagan-Aboagye
And here are some of Duaba Serwa's fabulously intricate designs on the runway of last week's Arise Fashion Week:
photos by Sefa Nkansa
