If I had ever been stopped randomly on the street and asked who Nana Asihene is, my first and only response would have been film producer / film maker. But how wrong I would have been! I recently had an e-interview with him and his creativity arsenal was just mind blowing! He shares with me the unveiling of his new men's collection and the inspiration that's driven him for this style pieces which by the way is absolutely distinguishing!

Give us a quick intro to who you are and what you do.

Nana Asihene : I am an artist at heart. My background is in fine arts, textiles, design, film, photography, music and dance. I have had a very eclectic creative career and i at a point where i harness all of these in the work i do. I work primarily as a creative consultant whilst designing products on the side.

What is the name for your clothing line and what inspired this new line of business whilst in film making ? It's so sick by the way!

Nana Asihene: the clothing label is under Nana Asihene Design Studio. I run a couture label from 2003 - 2009, and this was predominantly unisex fashion. I had to put it on hold, because Ghana wasn’t ripe for the ideas i had at that time and it was financially draining. I had to concentrate on the other things i do. During lockdown i decided to revive it but not as just a clothing bias brand but as a Product design studio. As of now, we carry several products including body washes, candles, leather goods and now clothing. We are concentrating on men for now.

Where are your design inspirations from for the modern man?

Nana Asihene: my general design inspiration is from everywhere. Sounds cliches but it is very true. I will say it’s my approach to design that makes me different. I like to layer my work ( film, photography, writing,etc) so i delve into basic ideas and layer them with meaning, intricacies and nuances the value of the idea is significantly increased. So for the men’s wear collection 01, i explored menswear around the world and identified the common trend of lines and straight structures. I then figured out how i could explore this in vernacular and still maintain a look that is appreciated by everyone.

Which man are you targeting for this clothing line?

Nana Asihene : my target is any man who is stylish and not just sees clothes as a covering on their back but an extension of masculinity and is comfortable wearing a piece of art.

Which aspect of men's fashion do you think we have ignored or underrated in the African fashion industry?

Nana Asihene : think we have created menswear with western norms and silhouettes determining what we should wear. Eg, the klaftern as worn by most african men is boring and lacks identity esp because african culture is layered, colourful and has texture. Most traditional menswear thrives in volumes. that is who we are so it’s high time designers start looking at our culture as inspiration instead of embellishing what Is not ours with afrocentric details.

What aspects of filmmaking do you think has leaked into the visual aesthetics of your clothing line?

Nana Asihene : my ideas as an artist leaks into everything i do because that is who i am. I live on ideas and the various art disciplines are mediums for me to express myself. So i wont call my self a designer, filmmaker, or photographer. I am an artist. Jack of all trade ( i dare touch) and master of all.

What aspects of filmmaking do you think has leaked into the visual aesthetics of your clothing line?

Nana Asihene : my ideas as an artist leaks into everything i do because that is who i am. I live on ideas and the various art disciplines are mediums for me to express myself. So i wont call my self a designer, filmmaker, or photographer. I am an artist. Jack of all trade ( i dare touch) and master of all.

How do you keep yourself updated with the fast changing trends in the world of fashion for men? How do you incorporate them in your brand?

Nana Asihene : i actually don’t study trends. At least not in detail. I think trends limit creativity and hinders proper expression. Eg. I will make pants with volume for men not because it’s a trend but because all instances of tradition african ‘pants” have a very voluminous silhouette.

What's the vision for the future of your fashion brand?

Nana Asihene : i want to design products that people will appreciate and be proud owning, not because they want to show off but they value the piece and it brings them joy.

Will you still be in the filmmaking business?

Nana Asihene : more than ever! I run a production company that is very busy and active esp with a lot of productions coming into the sub region. We recently finished a production for BET+ - Gabrielle Union, My journey to 50. This was across 4 african countries. We have more projects coming up.

The most important question readers want to know is where they can purchase these stunning pieces!

Nana Asihene - our products are available on www.nanaasihene.com. Our label is currently running a couture/ pret-a-porter model. So visit the website, place an order and we will take care of you. We ship worldwide. 🤜🏾🤛🏾💥

Follow Nana Asihene Studio on socials : @byNanaAsihene