The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Accra set to kick off tomorrow will be “simply ground-breaking,” a New York-based fashion designer who will showcase his collection tomorrow predicts.

Clavon Leonard told Myjoyonline that some members of his staff ditched plans to attend his shows in Europe and decided to come to Accra instead. Their decision, he said, spoke volumes.

“We’ve been all over the world, but they specifically wanted to come to Accra. That told me something.”

The event is the fourth time the global fashion industry powerhouse has come to Ghana. Accra is only one of four cities on the continent to host the event. Here’s all you need to know.

The Designers

There will be no shortage of talent at fashion week this year. More than 30 designers are scheduled to showcase their collections, including Glenroy Marsh of D’marsh Couture, who will present a line with two themes: “White Swan” and “Birds of Paradise,” both of which were inspired by his travels to China.

“Birds are amazing to watch,” Marsh said when speaking on his inspiration behind the collection. “They are graceful. Beautiful.”

He says expect bright, vivid pieces with touches of Ghanaian accessories.

Models wearing D'marsh Couture 

The Jamaican-born designer who is now based in New York said Ghana and Jamaica are very similar, and a major theme in his “Birds of Paradise” collection is the combination of both cultures.

Other power brands include House of Afia, Quophi Akotuah, Bijoux Trendy, Vlisco, Adwoa Yeboah and Naudrey Laurent.

The Events

Saturday’s events begin with fashion seminars, which start from 10:00am – 12:30pm. The sessions will feature the industry’s top talents and personalities, including Miss J Alexander, a runway coach who has appeared on America’s Next Top Model.

Following the seminars, two fashion installations will commence (Nadrey Laurent and Clavon Leonard), then the mega runway shows begin at 7:30pm.

On Sunday, a street show will premiere at 2:00pm, followed by a graduate show from a surprise guest. D’marsh Couture will present a fashion installation, then a private viewing of Naudrey Laurent’s collection. Runway shows will launch at 7:00pm including an exclusive multi presentation from designers at Vlisco.

The Venue

The two-day event will premiere at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in the heart of Accra. Saturday’s seminars are free and open to the public. The runway shows require tickets, though. ¢180 for regular admission and ¢220 for VIP access.

The After-Party

On Saturday night, Mercedes-Benz will host an after-party at 11:30pm. Location: Private.

Background

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Accra is an international fashion event designed to promote influential and emerging designers from across the globe.

The event has partnered with the Fashion Hub Ghana, an initiative with plans to produce an ultra-modern fashion factory in Ghana.

Sponsors of the event include Uber, Maybelline and Samsung.

The event is brought to you by Global Ovations Ltd.