26 INTERVIEW
Ohema Ohene is the brainchild of innovative designer Abena Pokuaa. Her distinctive line of clothing oozes creativity and style. This line certainly makes the HM HOT list, so we had to find out more!
HM: Hi Abenaa, let’s get straight to it. What does Ohema Ohene mean? Royalty! It specifically means ‘Queen & King’ in Twi, which is a Ghanaian language.
HM: So what’s the story that led to you starting the line? I had a vision from a young age to create a brand which was myself
personified...African yet British.
HM: Talk us through the Ohema Ohene collections. There are 2 lines, OH! by Ohema Ohene which is the diffusion line and home to the footwear range. This line is all about practicality with humour.
Ohema Ohene mainline is more directional, it’s home to the Womens and Menswear lines which encompass quality and sophistication.
HM: You recently launched your SS13 collection, what can we expect from the new range? You can expect a wider menswear range, lots of play on tailoring and comfortable silhouettes.
HM: You have quite a few celeb fans, who are some of the famous faces who’ve rocked Oh style? We’ve had Hip Hop group Dead Prez, the Noisette’s Shingai Shoniwa, John Mensah and John Pantsil of the Ghana Black Stars - football team and singer Mohombi.
HM: You recently took Ohema Ohene to Ghana, what was the reception to your line like out there?
Really encouraging. I hadn’t realised we had such a following as we haven’t really targeted the Ghanaian market yet.
HM: You also took part in Glitz Africa Fashion Week. How did it feel seeing your line grace the catwalk in your homeland? I felt very proud, it was a great experience.
HM: With a business in Brixton, you’re essentially a Brixtonite so what’s your fave HOTspot after a long day in the store?
The Lounge is great for catching up with friends...when you have the time. The Ritzy is also a great place to hide out and catch a film or listen to great live performances.
HM: Fashion is a highly competitive industry. As a small business what has been your biggest challenge? Timing! Getting your product out at the right time and competing in terms of PR and sales against larger brands such as ASOS and Burberry who dabble with African prints.
HM: And your biggest achievement since launching? Selling internationally- the brand has done phenomenally well in the most unlikely of places to me...Japan!
HM: So what’s next for Ohema Ohene? The world! There are so many plans, I’d prefer for people to rather see them than hear about them. :-0
Head to
www.ohemaohene.com for the SS13 collection and give your wardrobe a spring clean!!
• Interview: Enam G Images: Luke Nugent
Le Chic Afrique
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