It has been a whole year since Ghanaian label Ameyo last released a collection. Never one to do anything by halves, the label has always followed through with its decision to forgo the international fashion cycle, choosing instead to release only Summer collections, which make sense when one considers Ghana’s tropical climate. Having a whole year to conceptualize and execute collection ideas has allowed Ameyo the luxury of creating their own fabrics, separating them distinctly from their peers.
The label’s Spring 16 collection ‘Kulcha’ is inspired almost entirely by culture; Ghanaian and Korean. Veering completely away from its Spring 15 color blocked shift dresses, the label choses to create handmade splash dyed fabric as the foundation for it’s collection. It contrasts this fabric with vibrant monochrome with occasional splashes of saffron, blue and black.
The collection’s Asian influences are few but distinct. The label reworks the traditional Asian bridal sash worn over kimonos and hanboks into a belt with an overlong sash worn over mini dresses. The effect is quite interesting, contrasting against the deliberate shortness of the skirt.
The rest of the collection is a lot more cosmopolitan; culotte jumpsuits with off shoulder straps, sleeveless shift dresses with diamond cut outs, layered skirts with mesh peplums, Ameyo covers all the summer staples.
The true triumph of this collection is not in it’s versatility but how easily it will translate in the real world. No piece is too complicated or too avantgarde to go from store rack to wardrobe. And that is commendable.
PHOTO CREDITS
Photography: @pixslrate_studios
model: @mzbennygh
stylist: @afuarida
make up: @ann_esss