The TWA ME FOTO Collection
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 FASHION DESIGN / Prêt-à-porter
Company Name:Jermain Bleu
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Jason Jermaine Asiedu
Photo Credit:Jason Jermaine Asiedu
Project Location:Ghana
Design Status:Commercialized
Website: View
Project Description:
The Aya Vest is a tailored, sleeveless top crafted from our signature handwoven Kente by our Ghanaian artisans in gold threads and midnight hues. Featuring a sharp cut, structured silhouette, and subtle metallic detailing, it combines bold elegance with a nod to Ghanaian heritage. Designed for versatility, the vest can be worn open or buttoned for a sharper look.
The Aya Vest is a tailored, sleeveless top crafted from our signature handwoven Kente by our Ghanaian artisans in gold threads and midnight hues. Featuring a sharp cut, structured silhouette, and subtle metallic detailing, it combines bold elegance with a nod to Ghanaian heritage. Designed for versatility, the vest can be worn open or buttoned for a sharper look.
Project Innovation / Specification:
Weaving gold into Kente cloth traditionally uses gold-colored threads (like silk or metallic yarn) to create shimmering patterns, symbolizing royalty, wealth, and spiritual purity for kings and high status, with famous examples like Sikafuturo (Gold Dust) pattern, but modern methods also use gold foil stamping or printing to add gold accents to the vibrant, symbolic designs. Master weavers hand-sew narrow strips into larger sheets, with each color and geometric motif carrying specific meanings, making the fabric a rich form of visual communication. The most authentic method involves weaving actual gold or gold-colored silk/metallic threads (often in the weft) into the fabric, creating a rich, integrated shimmer as seen in this dress.
Weaving gold into Kente cloth traditionally uses gold-colored threads (like silk or metallic yarn) to create shimmering patterns, symbolizing royalty, wealth, and spiritual purity for kings and high status, with famous examples like Sikafuturo (Gold Dust) pattern, but modern methods also use gold foil stamping or printing to add gold accents to the vibrant, symbolic designs. Master weavers hand-sew narrow strips into larger sheets, with each color and geometric motif carrying specific meanings, making the fabric a rich form of visual communication. The most authentic method involves weaving actual gold or gold-colored silk/metallic threads (often in the weft) into the fabric, creating a rich, integrated shimmer as seen in this dress.
Project Sustainability Approach:
The designer collaborates closely with local artisans and honours age-old techniques: from hand-painted textiles to intricate prints, we infuse each creation with authenticity and pride. Every garment is a labour of love, meticulously crafted to stand the test of time, from the buttons and beads to the cotton sourced locally.
The designer collaborates closely with local artisans and honours age-old techniques: from hand-painted textiles to intricate prints, we infuse each creation with authenticity and pride. Every garment is a labour of love, meticulously crafted to stand the test of time, from the buttons and beads to the cotton sourced locally.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Project:
Several jobs have been created by this designer's project, as every element of the pieces in the collections is made locally, including the hardware made by local ironmongers.
Several jobs have been created by this designer's project, as every element of the pieces in the collections is made locally, including the hardware made by local ironmongers.
Company Name:Jermain Bleu
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Jason Jermaine Asiedu
