Five finalists have been shortlisted to compete for the ultimate prize of the Accra Mall Future Fashion Fund. This was announced by officials of Accra Mall, organizers of the competition at an empowerment summit held at the head office of Standard Chartered Bank on 27th July in Accra for all applicants.

The finalists, namely, Samara Addo Pomeye (Ekuaaddo), Bright Sena Banini (Senabryte), David Neal Dodoo (Chip.O.Neal), Augustina Ayinemi Avonsige (Avonsige) and Mathias Dromo Mensah (Ablade Dromo) were selected from over 100 applications after a rigorous assessment process.

The summit featured renowned professionals in the fashion, finance, business strategy, marketing and communication industries. The final five contestants were later taken through their projects, timelines and the code of conduct for the competition.

Commenting on the rationale behind the competition, Marketing Manager of Accra Mall, Denise Asare said “As part of our CSR initiatives we launched the Future Fashion Fund to nurture young and emerging fashion graduates in the African fashion industry by offering education and visibility.”

Apart from the prizes, Ms Asare indicated that the five finalists will also be introduced to the concept of ethical fashion, sustainability and retailing in a formal setting. “They will also be assigned to top industry professionals to be mentored”, she added.

The ultimate winner will receive a cash prize of $3,000, a pop-up stall at Accra Mall and many other amazing prizes.

The Future Fashion Fund is an extension of the Accra Mall Fashion Weekend (AMFW) which is an annual two-day fashion event which focuses on the fashion and beauty retail category. This year’s AMFW will take place at the mall on August 30 and 31.

The AMFW will feature a Beauty Expo which is a highly interactive hair and make-up demo run by expect facilitators. There will also be a style talk led by a leading stylist to talk about latest fashion trends. The finalists will be given the opportunity to give a preview of what they will be showcasing at the fashion show which is the grand finale.

Ms. Asare gave further details about the grand finale of the Future Fashion Fund; “The grand finale of the competition will be held at the run way show which will feature tenants of Accra Mall as well the final design pieces of the five finalists which were created during the project using this year’s theme ‘The new old’”, she mentioned.

The five finalists will be expected to come up with creative pieces. The winner will be selected after the final presentation of business plans, showcase of designs and a live social media poll.

The Accra Mall Future Fashion Fund is sponsored by Woodin, Dark and Lovely, Standard Chartered Bank and Black Opal Make up (distributed by Body Basics).