From Precious | April 2010
Ode to Ohema Ohene
The award-winning Ohema Ohene, (meaning King and Queen in the Ghanaian language of Twi) is a London based British boutique brand specialising in chic trendy clothing with a cultural edge. This cute brand is already making a name for itself, not only for for its distinctive style but also its sustainable innovation.
As part of its Spring / Summer 09 collection, the brand launched limited edition
Batik pumps made from recycled and reclaimed batik print
fabric. Some of the prints
used for their footwear are made from the off-cuts from their OH!
clothing line, which also uses recycled and reclaimed Batik prints. PRECIOUS caught up with the talented founder, Abenaa Pokuaa, for a quick chat...
PRECIOUS: So Abenaa, when did you first discover your love for fashion?
Abenaa Pokuaa: I’ve always loved clothes, from a very early age I loved dressing up! I’d always wear my Sunday best where and whenever I could!
PRECIOUS: Can you remember the first piece you made?
Abenaa:Yes, it was an embroidered corset, I
still have it now. When I look back, I can’t believe the workmanship on
it - I barely have time to sew now,
let alone embroider!
PRECIOUS: When did you launch the label?
Ohema Ohene was established in 2008. Rather than sitting at home feeling defeated having just lost my job I saw this as my opportunity to start my own business. It was a very difficult time emotionally and financially especially because the recession was beginning to show its affects. But I stood firm in my decision.
PRECIOUS: Describe Ohema Ohene in 5 words
Chic. African. Innovative. Trendy. Wearable.
PRECIOUS: What is it that makes your collection stand out?
Ohema Ohene is designed for real people! I create clothes for
everyday living wear, but try and give the customer that special edge and
sparkle!
PRECIOUS: Who are your fashion icons and influences?
I don’t really have icons; however I do have people who I find
aesthetically and stylishly interesting. Lady Gaga, Shingai from the Nosiettes
and Bentley Fonsworth. The everyday person interests me too as well as
art and culture. Fashion wise Chanel, Balenciaga and Marc Jacobs for me
are quite influential.
PRECIOUS: Is there someone (celebrity, political figure, icon) that you’d like to design
a piece for?
Oh there are quite a few that I’d love to work with
such as; Erykah Badu, Beyonce, Kanye West and Corinne Bailey Rae.
PRECIOUS: What’s been the most exciting thing to happen since the label
launched?
Being recognised for my passion and efforts so far, having been
nominated for an O2X ‘Young Entrepreneur Award’ last year and of course
being nominated and winning the prestigious Precious 2009 Award for ‘Best
Business Start Up’ it was definitely an exciting experience. I’ve also
enjoyed the travelling and meeting new people all due to Ohema Ohene.
PRECIOUS: When is next season’s collection out?
Next season Ohema Ohene takes things up a notch, more stylish, seductive
yet sophisticated more emphasis on tailoring techniques and a mixture
of fabrics and fabulous hues.
PRECIOUS: Where do you see the label in five years time?
In stores such as Selfridges, Sacs 5th Avenue, Sogo Hong Kong as well as an Ohema
Ohene standalone store.
Discover more about Ohema Ohene at:
Online Boutique: http://shop.ohemaohene.com
Website: www.ohemaohene.com