Naana B: Style with Substance
The thick textured fabric of Naana B’s debut collection has substance. Substance comes with a story. Naana’s piece are made from Sika print bought and sewn in Ghana through the Rural Communities Empowerment Center. The literal translation of Sika in Ghanaian is “money” — and Naana’s work is indeed, money, on several meaningful levels.
“It’s the most common fabric that women in Ghana wear to weddings, funeral, baby namings. There are thousands of varieties,” said Naana from a Soho showroom where she hosted on Saturday. Bright colored prints hung elegantly from racks, adding warmth and intimacy to the space. Women eagerly slipped on jackets and strapless dresses as the pieces disappeared one by one, (including a few claimed by this writer.)
Naana, who was born in Ghana, thrives on authenticity. She researched traditional cuts from her native land designing pieces that would reflect the cultural lineage and beauty of the thick cloth. She sends her renderings back to Ghana to be sewn by women in her country through a partnership with Rural Communities. Proceeds of the sale are donated to the non-profit.
Naana established herself first as a handbag designer, and has moved into the roll of the atelier, balancing tradition with her vision. Each fabric is authentic, but unified by Naana’s signature cuts, pleats and ruffles. She’s currently designing wedding dresses for several clients.
Naana’s background as a visual artist plays into the function of the graphic language in her prints, evocative in the line and stitching of the fabric. “I am interested in sculpture and architecture, and this comes across in the way things flow. I try to incorporate traditional pieces in modern ways,” she said.
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