Work-To-Cocktail Wear: The Macaroness Prototype as a Catalyst for the Sustainability of Indigenous Ga Women Dress Practice in Ghana

Abstract

This study describes the developmental approach adopted for an experimental prototype for an ongoing conceptual fashion collection. The goal was to put forward momentous work-to-cocktail outdoor high fashion concept including materials, colours and techniques highly influenced by a less engaged Ghanaian feminine dress culture practices among other considerations. The dress is modelled on design-led, and non-routine design strategies, targeting in this case, a career woman seen as a fashion change agent - an indigene and a perfect ambassador to diffuse the concept of the new brand. The consumer has distinct and desirable female body features. In line with present national aspirations, the Macaroness design is skewed to argue for increase in the consumption of made-in-Ghana products; the desire is to ‘sell’ Ga ethnicity to corporate Ghana. The work-to-cocktail design concept when applied in the ongoing project might influence choice of materials, colours and techniques for the collection.