Hey Guys I hope you all had a great 4th of July weekend because I know Idid. So here is the interview with Knaf Couture as I promised.
About the Designer:
Kayda Nana Afriyie Frimpong of KNAF COUTURE graduated from college with a B.F.A. in fashion design and marketing, and is an extremely proficient up and coming fashion designer from Ghana, West Africa. Highly stylish, custom-made and original, KNAF COUTURE clothes are designed to accentuate the female figure and make you look twice.
Afriyie of KNAF COUTURE derives much of her
inspiration from her home country, its culture and its textiles. She is also inspired by fashion greats like Jean Paul Gaultier, Coco Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana, John Galliano and Anna Sui. Afriyie counts her work as an intern for Anna Sui, as well as her participation in the designer’s Spring ’05 showing at New York Fashion Week as some of the highlights of her career.
Please enjoying reading the Interview.
How did the name Knaf came about?
It's my initials, Kayda Nana Afriyie Frimpong
What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
I can’t really remember what it was but since I was around eight years old, I’ve always wanted to design clothes for people, clothing and I have had a serious love affair ever since then.
Who is Knaf woman?
Very swanky yet funky, eclectic in her tastes and willing to invest in her appearance.
When do we expect to see your new collection??
The full collection will be out in December 2009 but in late July there will be a preview released on knafcouture.com
How do you get your materials?
From Ghana where I’m from and also here in the United States and some imported from Europe, I’m all about juxtaposing western fabrics with African prints.
Do you sew/make everything by yourself? How long does it take to make one piece?
I normally do it all by myself but its started getting too much for just me, so I’m about to relocate to Ghana for a few months and while there I’ll employ fellow Ghanaian women and men with no means of income and help them support themselves and their families by working for KNAF Couture. Due to the high amounts of orders I have at most times, I give clients of the custom made looks no less than 3 weeks from when the order is made to pick to pick it up. It takes a little longer when its being posted.
How is Fashion in Ghana? Do you have many successful fashion designers in Ghana?
I haven’t been back home in about five years but from my research, they have some really good designers there and fashion is really taking off.
What are some of the challenges that you are encountering as an African designer especially here in America?
Although I have a lot of African clients, getting them to consistently patronize my products as they would more mainstream designers is hard. Also, though my clothes often have African prints in them, I design for all nationalities but because my clothes aren’t yet available in high end shops like Barneys or Neiman’s its hard to get steady clientele of other nationalities.
Where do you see Knaf Couture in 5 years?
Making a positive difference in the lives of orphans and destitute women in African countries, partaking in fashion weeks in the major fashion capitals in the world and having my clothes hanging in high end stores in Europe and USA.
Where can we purchase your line?
I’m on a short hiatus during my move but by September 2009 you can go onknafcouture.com and order.
Any advise to up- and-coming designers ?
Have a deep passion for it, real tenacity, thick skin, patience and be really organized!
Thank you Knaf Couture! Fashionjunkiis who will be the first to rock Knaf Couture?? If it's going to be you please do send us a picture we would love to feature you here on Fashionjunkii. Stay Fabulous Guys!
FYI: knaf Couture website will be up and running by the end of this month. Visit the site for new updates and more info about Knaf Couture's collection!
t know Millen Magese fromTanzania was the face of Arise Africa Fshion week. She informed FJ this morning that she walked 23 shows out of 27 shows! She also said that she is happy for Oluchi from Nigeria for taking home Model of the Year Award Ajuma and Ajuma for winning Africa Fashionweek Model Award.
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