By Samuel SAM
In a dazzling display of creativity and innovation, management of the Tamale Technical Institute (TTI) held the third edition of its annual Fashion Show and Exhibition on its campus in Tamale.
With students wearing and showcasing the local fabrics they had sewn as part of their final year project on entrepreneurship, the fashion show was to showcase the potentials of the young graduates to the world, promoting local culture as well as seeking both government and private sector collaboration in training the youth in entrepreneurship for a better future.
The event brought together renowned designers, fashion enthusiasts, students, school management and industry insiders to celebrate the latest trends and future directions in fashion.
The runway shows featured a diverse range of collections, each presenting a unique perspective on modern fashion. From avant-garde couture to sustainable street-wear, the designers showcased their mastery of craftsmanship and style, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions.
One of the highlights of the exhibition was the incorporation of technology into fashion, with several designers integrating smart fabrics and wearable tech into their creations. This fusion of fashion and innovation not only underscored the industry’s commitment to embracing new technologies, but also hinted at a future where clothing serves functions beyond aesthetics.
In addition to the runway shows, the exhibition area provided a platform for emerging designers to introduce their work to a global audience. Visitors had the opportunity to explore interactive displays, engage with designers and even purchase pieces directly from the creators themselves.
Speaking to the media after the show, the Acting Principal of TTI, Issahaku Adam Sulemana, commended the department for the tremendous efforts in inculcating entrepreneurship in the Fashion Design Department to complement the industry requirement.
The institute, since its inception in 1953 as a trade centre and later converted into a technical institute, has provided technical support to its students, of which many have established their own businesses after completion. “Aside from government’s contribution, we are also challenged with training materials, resources and technical supports to train more students in order for them to contribute to national economy.”
According to him, though government supports the school, there is infrastructure challenge due to increase in the enrolment of students. He noted that the fashion show and exhibition proved to be a pivotal event in shaping the future of fashion, setting the stage for continued innovation and creativity in the industry. For fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, the event served as a reminder of the transformative power of fashion as a form of art, expression and cultural reflection, he said.
He noted that the institute has, for the past years, been providing to its students entrepreneurship programmes that help to harness the potentials of the younger generation.
Head of Department for TTI Christiana Abane, in an interview, noted that the show was to celebrate the creativity, innovation and hard work of the Fashion Design student with the display of talent, style and elegance, showcasing the best of the institution’s fashion programme.
“This year’s fashion show and exhibition has been a testament to the creativity and resilience of the fashion industry,” reflecting on the event’s success. “We have seen incredible talent from the young graduates that shows that if our children are given the needed training in fashion, it will help to inspire and redefine what fashion means in today’s world,” she said.
According to her, lack of support continues to hinder their activities in ensuring sustainability and inclusivity in fashion.
