At the Obroni Wawu Festival, Erica Appiah’s upcycled brand, Aprikesh Togri, won GH₵ 2,000 for creative fashion designs, marking her first fashion contest victory.
Kantamanto Market was alive with creativity and celebration at this year’s Obroni Wawu October Festival, which highlighted the artistry of upcycling in fashion.
Among the standout participants was Erica Appiah, founder of the brand Aprikesh Togri, who, in her first-ever fashion contest, took home the top prize of GH₵ 2,000 alongside a model she serendipitously met at the event.
Aprikesh Togri, a name inspired by Erica’s own, reflects her unique approach to upcycled fashion—a style she has honed over the past five years. “It’s incredible to be recognized for something I’m so passionate about,” she shared in an interview, expressing gratitude for her unexpected win.
The designer, known for her resourceful transformations of second-hand materials, demonstrated her skill in creating fresh, wearable art from preloved garments.
Appiah was introduced to the festival by a friend and admits she hadn’t been fully aware of the event before her participation. “This was my first time, and I was amazed by the relaxed atmosphere despite the two-hour time constraint,” she said.
Despite her initial nerves, Appiah’s confidence and her bold, Rihanna-inspired designs shone through, earning her admiration and applause.
A highlight of the festival was the collaboration between Erica and model Serwa Appiah, a pairing that came together organically. Appiah, a student and part-time model, had also signed up for the festival independently. Their partnership on the runway reflected both spontaneity and synergy, leading Appiah to consider more future collaborations.
The theme of sustainability resonated with Appiah, who strongly advocates for upcycling. “If you have a beloved dress that no longer fits, upcycling can give it new life in a different style,” she said.
However, she also cited some challenges within the upcycling space, such as finding suitable fabrics that complement each other. Financial constraints, common in the early stages of a designer’s career, also pose obstacles, as potential clients often judge her based on her youthful appearance before committing to her work.
With her win and newfound recognition, Appiah plans to return to Obroni Wawu next year with even more innovative designs. “This experience has been a turning point,” she said. “I’m excited to see where Aprikesh Togri goes from here.”
