I Am African And I Can: Felix Anaman

Advocating African-Inspired Print

Now, more than ever, African print is leaving a memorable mark on runways across the globe. Having recognized this growing fond that people have for African print, Felix Anaman has come up with what could be a solution to develop Africa's economy, and it is knitted right within his garments.

"I see myself as a promoter more than fashion designer," expressed the Ghanaian native designer. A promoter of African-inspired print, that is.

He explained that, "most of the African prints are not produced in Africa and done by Africans." That if Africans become the leading producers of African print, Africa could reap greater "economic return" (jobs will be created and Africans will have the opportunity to fill those positions).

Social entrepreneur Eileen Reilly, Vice President of Economic Development at CAMBA (a Brooklyn-based Human Services organization), commented on Anaman's work: he uses fabric structurally...and "tradition technologies that needs to be both championed and preserved, because it is in danger of dying in Africa."

To Anaman, it doesn't matter whether people wear Anaman Felix Clothing, or creations by other designers. As long as "everyone" wears African print, African print will continue to leave a staple on the fashion industry.

Speaking about the fashion industry with such knowledge and passion derives from year's experience.

Anaman attended a fashion school in Ghana called Vogue Style School of Fashion, after graduating from the Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. He dived into the fashion pool in the 90s; starting off as a model, then gradually working his way up to becoming a trusted designer for Miss Ghana "numerous times." He had also been "in charge of protocol for Mr. Kwesi Amoafo-Yeboah, the first ever Independent Presidential Candidate for Ghana's Presidential elect, in 2008." And in 2012, Anaman had models grace the runway with Felix Anaman Clothing's vibrant Spring Summer collection at Brooklyn Fashion Week (BFW).

Usually, there is a moment in ones life when the world seems to stop revolving. For Anaman, that moment was when the provider of his family,his father, passed in 1997. There were moments when he starved himself, walked long distances in order to save up enough money to purchase tools to design. His financial breakdown, though, did not put his dreams to stop, because his desire to succeed was far greater.

He couldn't cut, stitch or design during the developing stage of his designing career, but continuous practice, faith, "great teachers who put [him] through great training," and working persistently to get his name known in "every household," gave him a big push towards the finish line.

Since Anaman believes in "sacrificing for the bigger things," he is stretching to expand his brand, Felix Anaman Clothing, in Iowa because "Iowa city has the potential of becoming a fashion hub." Winners, like Anamam, don't rest after having reached the finished line, they continue to stretch for even bigger things.