By Samuel SAM
Tamale Technical Institute (TTI), in a colourful display of creativity and innovation, held the fourth edition of its annual fashion show and exhibition to demonstrate the creativity of its students.
The show, which featured products of over 100 final-year students from the Fashion Design Technology Department, showcased student models wearing and displaying the local fabrics they had turned into classic outfits as part of their final-year project on entrepreneurship.
The initiative aims to showcase the potential 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 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.
Principal of TTI, Felix Seidu Jinapor, represented by the Vice Principal, Alhassan Sibdow Adam, commended the staff of the department for their tremendous commitment in nurturing the young generation in entrepreneurial skills in the fashion and technology sector.
“Fashion, as we all know, is more than aesthetics. It is a language, a powerful form of communication that speaks of who we are, where we come from and what we hope to become. It bridges generations and cultures.
“It is a showcase of the power of technical education when paired with passion, guidance and purpose as well as heritage, identity, dreams and aspirations,” he noted.
He stressed the need to invest in platforms that allow students to exhibit their potential to the world for opportunities.
“To our brilliant students, you have proven that creativity, when nurtured, knows no bounds. You have turned fabric into art, threads into vision, and passion into performance. You have not only met expectations; you have redefined them. This show is a bold statement of your capabilities and I am confident that many of you will go on to be pioneers in Ghana’s fashion industry and beyond,” he added.
Department Head, Fashion Design and Technology, Naomi Ibrahim Mariama, emphasised that the department has been organising the event for the final years to showcase their talents before graduating from the institute.
She added that it is also to instill the spirit of entrepreneurial skills to enable them to become job creators and not seekers, in curbing the burden on the government and the communities.
Some of the products are given to students to send home to show their parents for support at the end of the day.
Challenges
The head of the department noted that logistics and machinery to train the students continue to be a problem and therefore appealed to the government, philanthropists and individuals for support.
