Kumasi Technical University's (KsTU) Faculty of Creative Arts and Technology has once again demonstrated its commitment to nurturing talent and promoting innovation in the fashion industry by launching its annual Exhibition and Fashion Show, Fashion Expression 2023. The event, which showcases the creative prowess of the university's fashion design and textile students, was met with great enthusiasm from the university community.
The event commenced with a warm welcome address from the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Thomas Obeng Asare, who expressed his delight at the opportunity to witness the culmination of the student's hard work and dedication. Dr. Asare emphasized the importance of the fashion industry in Ghana's creative economy, highlighting the need for innovation and creativity to drive the sector forward.
In his speech, the Head of the Department of Fashion Design and Textiles, Rev Dr. Timothy Crenstil, acknowledged the ever-evolving nature of the fashion ecosystem and its intermediaries. He emphasized that educational institutions must adapt and position themselves to research and address the ongoing changes in the fashion world. The annual Exhibition and Fashion Show, The show dubbed, fashionEXPRESSION, serves as a platform for students to apply their hands-on training, showcasing exclusive collections of fashion, textiles, and complementary accessories.
He added that this year, a total of 159 final-year Higher National Diploma (HND) students and 28 evening HND students will participate in both the exhibition and fashion show. The HND students form teams to create their creative collections, which will be modeled on the runway by fifty models, a majority of whom are students from diverse disciplines within KsTU. Additionally, 19 finalists from the department's BTech Fashion Design and Modeling Program (weekend/Top-up) will present their collections in the exhibition.
Rev Dr. Crenstil also highlighted the collaborative partnerships that the department has established with fashion companies, houses, and businesses to provide valuable training opportunities for their students. These industry collaborations have allowed students to gain practical experience and exposure during vacations and semester-out attachment periods, fostering a strong connection between academia and the fashion industry.
The Vice-Chancellor of Kumasi Technical University, Ing Prof. Osei-Wusu Achaw, expressed his elation at the Faculty's consistent efforts in organizing the Fashion Expression program every year. He praised the students and faculty members for their dedication and hard work, noting that events like these foster creativity, innovation, and professionalism among students, preparing them for successful careers in the fashion industry.
Adding to the excitement of the event, Saint Christo, an alumnus of the university and a renowned fashion designer, delivered an inspiring speech to the students. He urged the university to continue fostering collaboration between the industry and the academic community, emphasizing the immense value it brings to students and the fashion sector as a whole.
The event was graced by the presence of other esteemed members of the university administration, including the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof Gabriel Dwomoh, and the Registrar, Ebenezer Kofi Dwomoh. Faculty staff from the Faculty of Creative Arts and Technology were also in attendance to support and celebrate the achievements of the students.
Fashion Expression 2023 promises to be a vibrant and captivating event, showcasing the talents of Kumasi Technical University's fashion design and textile students while promoting the growth and development of the fashion industry in Ghana. With its focus on innovation, creativity, and collaboration, this annual event continues to solidify KsTU's position as a leading institution in shaping the future of the fashion industry in the region.
