A K W I Y A H

Dashiki Skirt custom made in Ghana || Crop Top custom made with Woodin Fabric

Being from Ghana it makes me happy to see the Dashiki print (also referred to as Angelina print) appreciated on a world wide scale. In the beginning I resisted - so hard - at making a dashiki fashion post. Especially a maxi skirt post. It's all over the place nowadays.

I wear Dashiki printed clothes at home all the time. They are basically by lounging/weekend outfits. I just felt like making a fashion post would seem like I was jumping on the Dashiki maxi skirt bang wagon.

Upon second thought - I said "why the heck not?"  So what if everyone owns (or at least wants to own) a Dashiki maxi skirt? That's a beautiful thing! It makes me so proud to be an African when I spot people in different countries wearing the Dashiki print. When I think about it - this is what I wish would happen with African prints in general. I want people all over the world to appreciate African prints and wear them with the same ease as an aztec print you would purchase from Forever21.

I purchased this vibrant yellow Dashiki skirt in Ghana and my seamstress made the perfect maxi skirt to show off the print. The pockets make me fall even more in love with it!

xx Akwiyah

Crop top and Skirt designed by me || Necklace from South Africa (gift)

I'm a sucker for pants and structured fashion. I barely do the predictable sexy look - and that is exactly what this outfit is. This skirt was intended to be a midi length skirt - the other half of it was supposed to begin at the end of the scalloped part. After trying the skirt on for the first time I fell in love with scallops! On my way back home from fittings, I called my seamstress as I sat in traffic, and told her  to chuck the midi skirt idea and make it a mini skirt.

The scallops needed their shine. I did not intend for it to be a mini skirt but the moment I slipped it on I felt as sexy and as confident as I do with my culottes and wide leg pants.

I always need to remind myself there is nothing wrong with a little saucy number. Sometimes it's fun to find that thin line between trashy and sexy. I would definitely wear this outfit for a night out with the girls!

Blue and White Flare Batakari. Can be worn as a dress. Hand Made in Ghana. Available to Purchase on Depop. Search Akwiayh. || Shoes from Jeffrey Campbell (old) || Necklace from Francesca's (old)

Black and Red Woven Batakari dress Available to Purchase || Necklace (three stacked) from Forever 21 (old)

Batakari Top (worn with an old flared skirt from H&M) || Top and Beads handmade in Ghana

Look 2: Added a striped Shirt form Zara (old) || Necklace from Francesca's (old) || RiriWoo Lipstick

Crop Top designed by me || Worn over Dress

I saw this print on my way to work and I just had to pull over and get it. I designed this deep v cocktail dress with this print (I also think this dress deserves a name). I love this print because of its versatility. I purchased 4 yards (looking back I should have bought more) and decided to make a dress that can be worn three ways.

Cocktail Dress

I love the slightly sexy risque deep v look. When I slip this on - minimal makeup and accessories does it!

Striped Button Down Dress






I am beginning to get obsessed with pairing ankara with striped button up shirts. I tried this combo once when I was still living in NYC and it remains one of my favorite and easy outfit ideas till date!

Work appropriate. Check. Sophisticated and unique. Check. Feeling maself playing in my head. Double check! ;) 

Crop Top


I wanted create a crop top inspired from Christian Siriano's Spring 2014 offerings. It's fun and different. I designed it to fit over the dress and end right where the deep v ends - Looks like a one piece when worn together. I made sure the seamstress matched up the pattern of the top and the dress.

I can wear this crop top with so many items in my closet.

There you go - All three looks! 

Follow on Instagram @akwiyah for more updates || xx Akwiyah