Afua Sam
Afua Sam is a Ghanaian fashion designer, philanthropist and founder of Studio D'Maxsi Designs and The A Concept by Afua Sam - fashion labels based in Washington, D.C., United States specializing in one-off bespoke and ready to wear apparels mostly for women and children.[1][2][3] She is the founder of Afua’s Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on raising awareness and funds for cancer advocacy, anti-bullying campaign and domestic violence relief.[4]
Career
[edit]Afua started her fashion design career in her teen years as a self-taught apparel maker, initially adopting sewing as a hobby and personal coping mechanism with hardship brought by her father’s passing. In 1995, Afua moved to the U.S and took a job as a babysitter. She used her savings from the job to purchase her first American sewing machine and started sewing for a local sweatshirt maker and other designers in DC.[5][1]
In 2006, she launched her own fashion label, Studio D’Maxsi Designs specializing in one-off bespoke apparels including custom suits, red carpet gowns and party dresses.[6] In 2017, she introduced a new label, The A concept by Afua Sam focused on designing chic and affordable ready to wear apparels with blend of traditional African fabrics such as Adire and Ankara with colorful geometric prints.[2][7]
Her work has earned her some awards and honors including Art in Motion Icon Award 2026, Divas of Colour Awards (London) 2026, and DC Fashion Week Hall of Fame Inductee 2019.[8][9]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Afua Sam wins 'Fashion Designer of the Year' award in USA". GhanaWeb. 2013-09-13. Archived from the original on 2024-12-28. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
- ^ a b web, joe (2022-10-09). "Video: Exclusive with Afua Sam, Award-winning Fashion Designer -". Metro TV Online. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
- ^ "STUDIO D'MAXSI IS LIT in DC!". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
- ^ "Ghanaian Fashion Designer Afua Sam on WUSA9". GhanaWeb. June 26, 2008. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
- ^ "20 Years of Style: Afua Sam's STUDIO D'MAXSI Hits a Major Milestone". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
- ^ "Fashion Designer, Afua Sam & Studio D-Maxsi". GhanaWeb. April 25, 2007. Archived from the original on December 28, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
- ^ "The A Concept by Afua Sam set to revolutionise Ankara". C.Hub Magazine. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
- ^ "Designer Afua Sam of Studio Dmaxsi honoured With Washington DC Hall of Fame Award". C.Hub Magazine. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
- ^ Divas (2024-03-17). "Afua Sam, Divas of Colour 2024 Icon and Fashion Designer of the Year". Divas of Colour Forum. Retrieved 2026-06-05.