Before my ‘culture shock‘ episode, I went to have a look at the newly opened Ohema Ohene boutique in Brixton. My iphone died while I was on the bus to Brixton, so I couldn’t use google maps to help me find my way. All I knew was that the road which the boutique was located was somewhere near the station. I asked a few people where Atlantic Road was, and no one had an idea where it was. I was determined to find this place, so I virtually walked in a circle around the streets of Brixton station, admired a few stores and then stumbled upon Atlantic Road. I figured that when I got off the bus I was standing in front of the road, but I walked in the other direction!
The boutique is about 6-10mins from the station – depending how fast you walk. I wanted to soak up Brixton – so I took my time checking out a few of the stores along the road. I couldn’t remember the store number, but I had seen photos of the shopfront online. So when I saw the store, a wave of familiarity was buzzing through my mind.
I had a feeling I was not going to meet the label’s front woman Abenaa Pokua, but to my surprise she was in store and was kind enough to let me shoot at her with a few questions to feed my curiousity and take a few photos in the store.
The boutique is a nice exhibit of her designs. I really like what she has done with the store. Every corner was considered and each piece has enough space to be appreciated and admired. The boutique is a beautiful testament to the modernization of African fashion. The finest of African Dutch wax prints are transformed into the most elegant shapes and forms – like the funky printed hi-top sneakers or the male cardigans with the wax print trimmings. Each piece, whether a shoe or garment are made in limited quantities or are one of a kind – giving the collection a nice sense of exclusivity.
If you’re in London and happen to pass by Brixton, I suggest you check out the boutique.
In Australia, we don’t have African fashion labels, let alone a boutique.
So for me, just entering the door was a great experience!
For more details, go to the Ohema Ohene website.
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