The Department of Industrial Art, Textiles and Fashion Section at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, held the Graduate Exhibition and Fashion Show under the theme “Abound.” The event, held on 2nd August, 2024 aimed to showcase the talents and innovative designs of the graduating students from the Department to the University community and the public.
Professor Ebenezer Kofi Howard, the Head of the Department of Industrial Art, delivering the welcome address, emphasised on the significance of the theme and described it as a celebration of the abundant talent and creativity within the graduating class. He noted that the theme represents not only the richness of the student's work but also the boundless possibilities for their future contributions to the global fashion industry. He also highlighted that KNUST is a leader in creativity, and expressed his belief that the work of the graduates has the potential to gain international recognition. He emphasised that he expects to see the very best of creativity from the graduates in the exhibition and the fashion show.
The Provost of the College of Art and Built Environment, Professor John Tiah Bugri, spoke about the crucial role fashion plays in promoting and marketing culture and tradition. He emphasised the importance of improving Ghana’s Fashion Industry to boost the country’s economy. He encouraged parents to support their children in pursuing studies in fashion, particularly, given the unemployment rate in Ghana. He pointed out that the textiles and fashion industry is a significant driver for national development, creating numerous jobs and helping to reduce unemployment. He noted that the industry has been vital to the economic growth of many low-income countries, which accounts for three-quarters of the world’s clothing exports. He also remarked that the theme of the event aligns with KNUST’s mission to become the leading university in science and technology.
Speaking on behalf of the Dean of the Faculty of Art, Ms. Susana Asamoah Esq., the Senior Assistant Registrar of the Faculty of Art, praised the organisers for their hard work in organising the event and noted a significant improvement in the quality of the student’s work in this year’s event. She congratulated the students and urged them to continue working hard.
The event concluded with presentation of awards recognising the exceptional achievements of several students. The awardees were as follows: Overall Winner, Nadia Omani-Mensah; First Runner-Up, Jeffrey Kusi; Second Runner-Up, Eric Kodou; Best Occasional Wear Designer, Judith Baaba Kendricks; Best Street Designer, Augustine Kwaku Addo; Best Casual Wear Designer, Stephen Obeng Denkyi; Best Sustainability Award, Clement Amoako; Best Innovative Award, Rose Yofaatey; Technical Excellence Award, Nadia Omani-Mensah and Emmanuella Anyinfuah Amoh was awarded the Fashion Illustration Excellence Award.
