Redefining Elegance: Boyedoe on Melding African Roots with Global Luxury
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- November 21, 2024
In a world where fashion speaks volumes, few designers manage to blend cultural heritage with contemporary luxury as seamlessly as BOYEDOE. A visionary in the Afro-luxury space, BOYEDOE is redefining what it means to wear your heritage with pride while embracing the cutting edge of high fashion.
BOYEDOEs Afroluxe philosophy is built on the principles of deconstruction and reconstruction, creating designs that reflect the core values of Sun-sum (spirit), Silhouettes, Sustainability, and Sophistication. This approach culminates in the concept of timelessness, shaping a powerful new narrative for African fashion on the global stage. Their collections blend the timeless versatility of denim with innovative designs, reflecting a deep cultural pride and a bold, forward-thinking vision. As a rising name in Ghana’s dynamic fashion scene, BOYEDOE continues to inspire a new generation of creatives and trendsetters.
Since graduating in 2019 from one of the leading fashion schools in Ghana, Joyce Ababio College of Creative Design as “the Most Outstanding Student’ and ‘the Most Creative Student’, he has gone on to participate in several competitions including; Winner of the Merck Fashion Award in 2019, 1st runner up of Vlisco Fashion Fund in 2019. BOYEDOE has showcased his work on several prestigious global platforms, including the Paris Fashion Week Tranoï Show, CANEX Portugal Fashion, and the recently concluded Lagos Fashion Week, where he unveiled his “Out of the Earth” SS25 Collection.
In this exclusive Q&A session, STYLEAFRIQUE™•com delves into BOYEDOEs creative journey, their vision for the future of Afrocentric fashion, and the values that drive their work. Join us as we explore the story behind the brand and gain insight into how Boye Doe is redefining fashion with a touch of African heritage and modern flair
Can you tell us about you and your work thus far?
David Kusi Boye-Doe is the Founder and Creative Lead of Ghanaian Afro luxurious and Ethical brand BOYEDOE. In 2023, he was named as one of the top 30 next-gen African creatives and visionaries by TRACE and Johnnie Walker Africa. He made his international debut in December 2020 as one of the thirty finalists for the inaugural edition of ARISE 30 Under 30 New Stars held in Lagos, Nigeria. In 2020, he was the first runner up of Accra Mall’s Future Fashion Fund He was also the first runner up of Vlisco Fashion Fund in 2019 and the winner of the Merck Fashion Award in 2019. David graduated from JACCD Design Institute Africa in 2019 as the most outstanding and most creative student. BOYEDOE s a quintessential African brand with a deep passion for the continent’s heritage, creativity and future.
What led you into your career? Please tell us the story?
No hidden story. I have always loved clothes, but I started off as a personal shopper and then grew into a personal stylist. And in search for more ,styling wasn’t enough so I decided to start my career as a Designer and enrolled in one of the best fashion school in Africa JACCD DESIGN INSTITUTE AFRICA.
What makes your designs stand out from other fashion designers?
I believe every garment must enthral and enchant our viewers. The exact pointillism and precision of our seams must present the eye with striking visual magic, and yet for all their manifold delights, the story of each garment must be viewed through elemental lens of colors.
What materials do you use for your designs?
Denim has been a stalwart part of our journey as a brand. We use denim because it is versatile, durable and timeless – a comforting constant in the ever-changing world of fashion. Considering the vast waste and pollution that comes with the production of denim clothing, we deem responsible, as an ethical brand, to source discarded secondhand clothing and dead stock and upscale it into desirable garments. Our handwoven smock from the northern part of Ghana is the ‘diamond in the crown’. Sourced from ethical producers, it reflects our cultural heritage and represents, among many things, the spirit of our fore-bearers, luxury, prestige and royalty.
What inspired the “Out of the Earth” SS25 Collection?
It’s a culmination of 5 years of blending afroluxurious heritage with ethical elegance. This collection is a focused, muted and sophisticated celebration of Africa’s terracotta hues. It’s a love letter to our artisans, culture and treasures from the earth.
What was your career defining moment?
Have had a lot of defining moments in my career but the first would be when I got my first Vogue Italy feature for my graduation collection “The Man, The Message and The Mandate”
What are some of the challenges you face as a fashion designer?
Building a brand, the lack of financial muscle to place fabric orders in bulk (such as the smock we use for example) has been frustrating. It results in changes in colour or texture when we ultimately place new orders as the old stock would have run out. Also sourcing quality accessories like zips and buttons have been a major challenge.
What would you like to see change about your industry?
Nothing in Particular but maybe we should talk more about sustainability and profitability together because by a definition for a business to be sustainable it must be profitable.
What is the nicest thing you have ever heard about your brand?
Originality and true talent.
If you could design an outfit for one person, who would you choose and why?
Rihanna and Asap Rocky I just love the their sense of style.
Who are some of the celebrities you have designed for?
Shatta Wale – Ghanaian Artist
Osas – Nigerian Actress
King Promise – Ghanaian Artist
Dr Akin Faminu – Nigerian Fashion influencer
Anita Erskine – Ghanaian Journalist
Noble Igwe – Nigeria
Camidoh – Ghanaian Artist
Moyo Lawal – Nigerian Actress
D-Black – Ghanaian Artist
Cina Soul – Ghanaian Artist
Chantel Riley – Canadian Jamaican Actress
What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers?
As an aspiring designer you must find a what I call your POV or POD (point of view or the point of difference). Why should anybody buy something from you? You might not have a name at the time, you might not have a reputation at the time , all you may have at the time might be your collection. So what is going to make a someone or a stylist drop a piece from an already existing brand and buy your own? As a young upcoming designer you must find your own view point and speak with it, and also make sure is relevant. You have to touch the nerves of the people that are going to buy your clothes. You need to balance intellect with aesthetics to succeed in the fashion world.
