Ghanaian-born Akua Serwaa-Sarfo is a talented aspiring fashion designer behind the elegant afro-chic creations known as IyZaiah. The full-time student of the University of Ottawa, produces apparel and accessories for both women and men.
Although Serwaa enjoys Public health and charity work, her true passion has always been in fashion. She took an interest in fashion at a very young age and began designing outfits for her dolls as well as herself. Her friends realized that they can’t let this talent go unnoticed so for her 21st birthday they chipped in and got her a sewing machine. Soon, Serwaa taught herself how to sew. She designs and sews every piece in her IyZaiah’s creations.
“My line represents a channel for my expression of life; being the best you can be but never forgetting where you come from. IyZaiah epitomizes sophisticated fashion forward couture fusing African culture with contemporary flare,” said Serwaa.
The name IyZaiah, meaning “the Lord helps me”, has been one that has always been close to the designers’ heart. It is the name she wants to give her first son therefore the line is named after him. Serwaa is a huge supporter of independent women who are strong, confident and proud of their heritage. Her designs represent the way in which she views women. Sophisticated! IyZaiah for women is designed to enhance the natural beauty of a woman while pushing the limits of African fashion.
In October 2009, IyZaiah debut its first collection, An Ode to Africa, at Carleton University’s Akwaaba Showcase. In February 2010, the label had a fashion show at the Carleton University Black History Month Show. It recently released its new collection, The Gold Coast Collection, at Nigeria’s Independence Day Celebration in October.
According to Serwaa, there is a lot in store for the future. She is currently working on her third collection, which is set to debut soon. In the Spring of 2011, IyZaiah will launch the men’s collection as well. The IyZaiah shoe collection will also debut along with the men’s collection.
Serwaa describes the second women’s collection of IyZaiah, ‘The Gold Coast Collection’, as a dedication to the beautiful and diverse personalities in Ghana, where she was born and raised. The collection comprises 12 pieces; 6 cocktail dresses and 6 gowns. The pieces range from, serene and mellow gowns, to punk-like cocktail dresses, to girly embellished dresses to bold backless gowns. In every ntoma piece used for this collection, there are intricate traces of gold in it, which symbolizes the richness of these personalities. Below are pictures of this collection
