Guests admiring Ophelia Crossland’s designs
Ghanaian designer Ophelia Crossland became the first African designer to ever exhibit her works at the Swarovski Couture Infinity, one of the world’s big fashion platforms in Dubai.
The 2017 edition of the event was held at the Madinat Arena, Dubai, and paraded works of over 40 other designers from 17 countries at the Sparkling Couture: Infinity Exhibition, celebrating couture and fashion design.
Ophelia’s designs received applauds at the exhibition, and she was also acknowledged as one of the best designers to showcase at the event.
She showcased 45,000 Swarovski crystals, a mix of brocade, lace and kente woven in the Ashanti Region of Ghana in West Africa.
It was inspired by the Ashanti Golden Stool, Ghana’s gold, the seashells from Ghana’s beaches and the awesome feeling of the morning sun in Ghana.
“From Dubai, the dress makes 17 stops worldwide before we invite clients and friends to a private viewing to be announced soon,” KOD, Ophelia’s husband and president of Nineteen57, announced.
“..Over excitement when we entered the hall with our first gown on the night. It was a different feeling. It was tears of joy. Ophelia Okyere Darko well done. Joy after hard work,” Ghanaian millinery and clutch designer, Velma Owusu Bempah, who also attended the fashion event, said.
Swarovski is the world leader in precision-cut crystals for over 120 years. Its sparkling exhibition opened on October 25, 2017, and lasted for days. It drew its inspiration on the idea of the infinite possibilities for creativity and innovation afforded by crystals from Swarovski.
Ophelia and her team made Ghana proud out there by using their work to bring honour to Ghana’s fashion industry.