Today is the birthday of Ghanaian born fashion designer and illustrator Papa Oppong. As an illustrator Oppong created a name for himself globally with his highly stylized illustrations of international style icons like Rihanna, Amber Rose, Beyonce, Oprah and Rosario Dawson and his designs have spawned a hyper-saturated illustration style all of his own.
But Oppong is also a gifted designer, collaborating with Vlisco Ghana and Swarovski to create two separate high profile collections. Most recently he was invited by the DC Fashion Incubator Initiative to work with them as one of two foreign designers in their annual residency program, a programme he ended with his new collection ‘Makola’ that celebrates the style of Accra’s market women.
In honor of his birthday we have trawled through his Instagram to bring you our top 8 favorite of his illustrations. Here they are in no particular order.
His illustration for international women’s day which is the culmination of his continued celebration of women.
“Consideration” 🎈 @badgalriri x @justsza Papa Oppong 2016 #PapaOppong #anti #rihanna #sza
A photo posted by Papa Oppong (@papaoppong) on
His illustration of Rihanna and SZA to celebrate the release of her album Anti. Rihanna has been a long term muse for Papa and we love this because this is the first one he features another person in an illustration.
This illustration of his Spring 15 Collection ‘A Celebration of Art’ which perfectly captures the essence of his work.
A photo posted by Papa Oppong (@papaoppong) on
This gorgeous illustration of African American actress Viola Davis in celebration of her historic Emmy win.
This photo celebrating long time fan Kelly Rowland’s pregnancy with her son Jewell.
This photo of Lupita N’yongo basically explains itself.
His floral illustrations for a German shoe brand, is understated but a marvel to behold.
A photo posted by Papa Oppong (@papaoppong) on
Finally this vintage illustration of his collection with Swarovski.
Happy birthday Papa, and thank you for bringing so much beauty to African fashion. 🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈