Ghanaian designer, Cecil Duddley Mends, is the Chief Executive of CDM Fashion Couture and Rector of the CDM School of Design.

He has been a driving force behind the success of the school. His leadership has created a learning environment that promotes creativity, innovation and skill development.

Mr Mends’ passion for fashion and design has seen CDMSD become a leader in the fashion industry, providing students with the opportunity to hone their skills and pursue their dreams.

With the help of experienced tutors and the latest technology, CDMSD has become a centre of excellence for fashion and design. Through its commitment to excellence, CDMSD has become a leader in the industry, helping to shape the future of fashion in Ghana.

CDM School of Design (CDMSD), is a leading fashion institute in Ghana, and is dedicated to providing quality training and skill development in the garment-making industry.

Situated at Baatsona off the Spintex Road in Accra, the school offers a Certificate in Fashion and Design, Diploma in Fashion, Pathway programmes, and other preparatory courses. CDMSD is in line with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda, prioritizing the exploration of technologies and the acquisition of practical skills, understanding and knowledge to help promote skill acquisition and industrial development.

Rector, Cecil Duddley Mends has touted the institution's commitment to driving innovation in fashion training and the impact it will have on the upcoming generation.

According to Mends, the curriculum is designed to develop the full creative potential of students, in order to create a niche of relevance in the fashion space and establish gainful employment opportunities in the process.

Mends also encouraged the youth to take advantage of the programme, as there are many untapped potential fashion markets that need to be explored. He believes that CDMSD has all the resources to equip students for the future.

The journey

Cecil's journey from a teenage tailor to the Chief Executive of two fashion companies is truly inspiring. At the age of 14, Cecil began to make clothes for his neighbours, and from there he went on to the University of London.

Cecil has also held positions at Zoomlion, Japan Motors, and The Multimedia Group. Finally, his commitment and passion for fashion led him to become the Chief Executive of CDM Fashion Couture and CDM School of Fashion.

In 2017, Cecil was awarded the Ghana Peace Award for Best Fashion Designer in recognition of his commitment to the fashion industry. His success story serves as an inspiration to all fashion designers and entrepreneurs.