3rd edition of Design Market launches at Kempinski; showcases contemporary designers

The Design Market, West Africa’s leading event focused on contemporary design, returns to Accra, Ghana for its third edition.

From 1-2 September 2018, the city of Accra will be transformed with an exciting shopping experience, talks, workshops and fun activities featuring some of Africa’s best designers, artists and creative talent.

The Design Market, an annual event produced by Dabira, celebrates and promotes contemporary design in Africa. The Galleria at the Kempinski Hotel, Accra’s leading hotel and tourist destination, will be home to this year’s Design Market.

During the weekend-long event, visitors will have the opportunity to meet and shop directly from great designers and makers, discover one-of-a-kind goods from fashion to furniture design, and take part in an extraordinary cultural event.

As part of the Design Market’s 2018 program, influential thought leaders from all corners of Africa’s contemporary design community will speak and share their perspectives.

Some of the speakers include Chuka Ihonor, a renowned architect and principal of Lagos-based ARG Studio, Nii Amaa Ollennu, a visionary entrepreneur and owner of La Villa Boutique Hotel, and Stefania Manfreda, a graphic designer, curator and founder of the boutique store, Elle Lokko.

Dabira’s Founder and Design Market Director, Charlotte Ashamu says “The Design Market brings together designers from across Africa and demonstrates the continent’s position as a powerhouse for the creative industries. This year’s program is bigger, and presents a unique opportunity for Africa’s talented designers to reach an expanded audience, and for our visitors to enjoy an enriching cultural and learning experience.”

The Design Market will feature over 20 designers, artists and creative brands from five countries in Africa. Highlights include:

• Duaba Serwa, a Ghana-based fashion brand, and recipient of the African Fusion Designer of the Year at the Ghana UK Based Achievements (GUBA) Awards.

• The Nigerian-based ready-to-wear label, Grey, best known for their bold prints and colors, and selected for the Commonwealth Youth Challenge.

• Tekura, a family of designers and West Africa’s leading furniture and home décor makers. Their collections have been showcased at leading international shows including Ambiente.

• Marte Egele, Roda and Marhaw, three cutting-edge leather accessories brands operating in Nigeria, Ghana and Ethiopia and creating employment opportunities for youth.

Guests at the Design Market will also have the opportunity to discover specialty foods and beverages, and take part in a food tasting with Patti Sloley, the creative fusion chef and double author of “A Plate in the Sun” and “A Date with Plantain.”

About Dabira:

Dabira is the producer of the Design Market, West Africa’s leading event focused on contemporary design, held in both Accra and Abidjan. Dabira’s mission is to propel talented designers into growing successful and sustainable businesses.

Website : www.dabiradesigns.com

Facebook and Instagram Handle: @dabiradesigns

Charlotte Ashamu, Founder & CEO, Dabira

Email: charlotte@dabiradesigns.com

Mobile: +223-54-436-6725