This past weekend was once again African Fashion Week Toronto. Hard to believe another year has come and gone. I was honoured to be part of the event as Host of the African Fashion Industry Awards on the final night.

As with any fashion event, being a person who loves fashion and media means wanting to not only look my best, but also to represent African inspired style.

I started off at the opening night event wearing a dress I actually got over three years ago in Ghana. I purchased it at a shop in Legon and had it altered to fit. It’s one of my favourites so I’ve worn it a number of times. I’m not afraid to repeat an outfit and in fact I often say #ItsOkToRepeat. After all, if I’ve spent my hard earned money and it’s a great piece, why not? Just space out the timing of when you wear it and you’re good to go.

For Day 2 at AFWT I wore a two piece outfit that I designed and had made in Ghana. When I saw this fabric at the market in Madina, Accra, with its bold spots featuring two of may favourite colours, yellow and red, I knew it was for me. I’m a designer at heart so I love the process of picking colours and fabrics that work well with a design. One of the wonderful parts of tradition in many African countries is being able to design what you want and find a tailor or seamstress to work with you and bring your idea to fruition.

On Day 3 there were runway presentations throughout the day. In the afternoon I wore a strapless top I purchased at a Misfits 2.0 pop-up shop last summer in Toronto. I hadn’t worn it until this weekend. The necklace is from H&M and the long pleated skirt is an oldie from Le Chateau many years ago.

For the later part of Day 3 I wore a dress from Asikere Afana. A Toronto-based label that has product manufactured in Ghana. The brand has been praised for being an ethically responsible company when it comes to sourcing, production and how business is conducted.

The final night of AFWT was the African Fashion Industry Awards. A night to celebrate and honour those in the industry making an impact and excelling at what they do. It’s also the night when people come and show what they’ve got on the red carpet.

I started off with a two piece by Asikere Afana with a bold printed floral pattern that was flirty yet classy. The top had adjustable straps and wrapped around the body giving emphasis to the waist. With a matching knee length circle skirt.

My final change was another dress from Asikere Afana. This one is the ANYA Classic Wrap Maxi Dress, from the Transitions collection and is available on the website now.  This dress would make any woman feel like a Goddess; so regal and because it’s made using a high quality jersey knit, it was absolutely comfortable.