Kwame Adusei: From Ghana to LA, Weaving a Tapestry of Fashion Success

Kwame Adusei, a Ghanaian-born designer based in Los Angeles, is making waves in the fashion industry with his unique blend of West African heritage and contemporary Californian cool. His label, “Kwame Adusei,” is not just about clothing; it’s a story woven with cultural pride, vibrant colors, and a dedication to ethical production.

It was a visit to the United States in 2017 that inspired Adusei to move from Ghana to Los Angeles in order to further his design dreams. Struck by the COVID-pandemic, forcing the closure of his stores and factory in Ghana, Adusei found difficulty in establishing his namesake label.

Through perseverance, the contemporary fashion designer carved out space in Los Angeles and continued to create sexy, confident, timeless garments, but this time, under the title Kwame Adusei.

Shortly after his debut in Los Angeles, the emerging brand caught the attention of celebrities and their stylists. Notably, Kylie Jenner donned a bespoke white mini dress in August 2022, while Halle Bailey showcased his Kaju set in Latto’s “It’s Givin” music video during the same period but, it was Harvey’s bold choice of the sultry cutout Kabun dress that truly stirred up excitement, sparking a significant buzz.

Celebrities in Kwame Adusei. Photo Credit: Kwame Adusei/Instagram

However, Adusei’s journey to prominence spans far beyond his recent acclaim. For over a decade, he quietly honed his craft, designing both bespoke and ready-to-wear pieces for his Ghana-based label, Charlotte Prive, long before catching the eye of Hollywood.

Drawing inspiration from his cultural heritage, Adusei translates the essence of West Africa into clothing, embodying a realm where social gatherings, inclusivity, and community thrive abundantly, though they aren’t always obvious when looking at his designs.

He uses bold prints, vibrant colours, and traditional West African motifs, often incorporating them into contemporary silhouettes and tailoring. This unique blend creates a sense of cultural exchange, allowing wearers to embrace the beauty and richness of African textiles with a modern twist.

Adusei’s Fall/Winter 2022 collection was a reflection of this vision. The styles draw design inspiration from what Africans wear to ceremonial events, like headpieces, to create bold runway-ready looks.

Kwame Adusei’s Fall/Winter 2022 collection. Photo Credit: Nickxshotz/Instagram

While Adusei’s designs fall under the umbrella of womenswear according to industry standards, he refrains from ascribing gender-specific labels to his creations. An excellent illustration of the gender-fluid essence in his designs is showcased by the Katen dress. This particular garment was notably donned by Harvey on her 26th birthday celebration in January 2023.

As Adusei’s brand enters its third year, the Los Angeles-based Ghanaian designer aims to offer a taste of West Africa, fostering global connections and challenging perceptions about clothing and the stories they carry, both past and future.