Fashion designer Serwaa Abankwa, founder of Seraban Clothing, is masterfully bridging the gap between African heritage and contemporary fashion, as revealed in a recent interview on MX24 TV’s Fashion Wednesday with host Diana Edinam Kumbey.
Abankwa credits her grandmother for sparking her passion for fashion and fabrics. This early influence now shapes Seraban’s distinctive mission: “What Seraban seeks to do is to ensure that there’s a connection between our African heritage and then modern fashion,” she explained. “So the woman/man feels connected to their roots and at the same time they can look stylish for whatever event they intend to go to.”
The brand’s commitment to cultural heritage is evident in its choice of materials. “Most of our pieces have a bit of our African tradition, and so you’ll see us explore fabrics like the Fugu, Batik and wax print, which I love so much,” Abankwa shared.
Her sophisticated approach to colour selection blends cultural significance with a modern touch. “I usually would go for neutral colours and blend it with some form of vibrant hue,” she noted, adding, “For instance, instead of a bold red, my Seraban man or woman would want maybe a burgundy. Because burgundy has some form of richness and tone that makes you feel like you carry some kind of grace and refinement.”
The designer’s creative process is comprehensive, taking into account multiple factors. “We think about the people we design for and our environment. We also do market research to understand current trends,” she said. Her approach balances multiple influences: “I focus on creativity while incorporating cultural elements, contemporary trends, and market insights. By blending these, the final designs come to life.”
This thoughtful approach extends to considering specific occasions and settings. “If you’re going to a board meeting, there’s a certain colour that would make you stand out and turn heads,” Abankwa noted, emphasizing how colour choices can empower her clients in various professional and social contexts.
You can catch the full interview and more inspiring fashion stories on Fashion Wednesday, airing every Wednesday at 6:30 pm on MX24 TV. Watch this episode here.
