Afriyie wins Emerging Designers contest at PERONI Style

Presented by Peroni Nastro Azzurro and under the leadership of Field Marketing Manager, Steve Canal, the Italian beer synonymous with style and fashion hosted the first of a series of global competitions providing emerging designers with the opportunity to showcase their lines before an audience of fashion industry experts and tastemakers. The Atlanta competition was a huge coup for the city looking to establish its mark in the global fashion industry.

Four talented designers qualified as semi-finalists after attending an intensive open casting call held the previous month. Olivia Prance, Afriyie Poku, Sarah Pankiewicz and Megan Huntz created spring/summer 2013 collections inspired by their individual style and passion.

Atlanta-based designer Afriyie Poku won the competition by a standing ovation for his menswear line entitled, Oberama Afriyie, translated, “the man who is at the right place at the right time.”

Born in Ghana, Afriyie recalls his excitement for fashion began years ago as a child in Ghana watching his mother create garments. Although he was fascinated by the industry, male children were not allowed to touch a sewing machine, so for a time he kept his passion to himself. The self-taught designer says his inspiration for Oberama Afriyie came from menswear designs of the 18th and 19th century with his own modern twist.

Produced by AW Media Group and Enchanted PR, the evening was a monumental one for the city, as some of Atlanta’s most respected fashion experts participated in the event.

PERONI Style Atlanta