THE "AKWAABA" COLLECTION

Our Fall collection explores the art of the welcome, a value of hospitality that is ingrained into the human psyche in every society. There are several ways of welcoming guests in different parts of the world. However, in this collection, we uncover some of the elements that make the art of the welcome invaluable in certain parts of the African society.

"Akwaaba" means "Welcome", an expression of warmth used to receive guests into the traditional home or community. It originates from the Ghanaian Twi dialect and serves as an endearing invitation extended to help guests feel comfortable and at home in their given environment. More than a greeting, it is also a lifestyle embodied in a culture of hospitality that is displayed in very specific ways in the African community.

In many parts of Ghana, guests are usually treated to meals, games, storytelling and entertainment, in the form of music and dance, as a way of acquainting them with the local traditions. The typical welcoming experiences may involve enjoying some quality downtime after meals with storytelling (listening to folklore by elders in the community), playing traditional games such as "oware", "dame", etc. or even participating in local song and dance sessions with the hosts or community members.

The main goals of these heartwarming experiences are to foster camaraderie and generate a sense of belonging for the guest. Through the beautiful display of culture, guests can truly get to share in the depths of the hospitality of the local culture.

Our Fall collection is reminiscent of the beauty, warmth and uniqueness of these artful experiences that bring the traditional ways of welcoming guests in certain parts of the African culture to life.