The world of fashion speaks many statements. One of the most blessed attributes, surrounding fashion is its role as a storyteller and traveler. Fashion is a world of abundance, trends, and pushing one’s mark into the luxury of telling those colorful footprints on Earth. The question becomes simple. How does one paint the Earth, through the artistry of fashion?
There are designers, with intriguing stories, who travel high and low, near and far to locate those textiles; all of which encompasses their personal stories. For one Liberian/Ghanaian American, her creation in the fashion industry required travel. It meant returning back to a certain space, time, and wellness to understand her purpose for fashion.
If you have ever been enchanted by a rose, then imagine it’s scents of West African persuasion. It’s always the sensory, which reminds humanity that there are more invigorating images of our intrinsic, cultural existence, than what we have been permitted to see. Yet, through this scented rose, we are gifted with one vision into the Liberian and Ghanaian fashion scene. The name of this fashionable world is SokanaRose and the vision behind such a world is, fashion designer, Nwame-Rose Williams.
Nwame-Rose Williams’ passion for the fashion industry first began during her youth. “My love for fashion began as a child, but I grew more interested in it, as a theater major. I thoroughly enjoyed assisting with costume designing, and seeing the finished work on the stage, during our shows.” In addition, the world of design and fashion also runs in the family tree.
“Growing up, the majority of the clothing I wore to church, and formal events, were sewn by my mother, using modern sewing patterns. In fact, she even sewed the dress I wore to my Senior Prom. But, I also remember my grandfather had a chest full of expensive, authentic African Kente cloths and gowns from Ghana. He would often show me, while explaining the history of the fabric.”
The name of the brand, SokanaRose, translates to “some kind of” rose. With such a name, you become attracted to a unique scent of West African delight!
With fashion shows throughout the country, the Liberian-Ghanaian designer has brought an invigorating touch, while experiencing the high-profile world of SokanaRose is adding another fabric of storytelling to the fashion scene. Some of those high-profile shows include New York Fashion Week with International Beautiful You Tour (at The Stewart Hotel), The Time Square Street Show with The Fashion Experience, Miami Swim Week, Miss America Pageant Teens and Junior, Magnificent Fashion Show in Gulfport, Mississippi (featuring America’s Next Top Model Alum, Victoria Henley), and others. In total, the SokanaRose has participated in over 20 fashion shows since its initiation.
For Nwame-Rose Williams, the initial phase of the COVID-19 period was a testimony to birthing through a period of adversity. It was the perfect timing in accomplishing a major feat, during that chaotic time period. Having decided to leave corporate America in 2019, Williams retreated back into her passion for fashion. The SokanaRose brand officially started in April 2021. It was only a matter of time before it would make its showcase to US landscapes. Time was on her sign. Within 9 months, SokanaRose took off by storm.
For those intriguing dames, who happen to make pieces of SokanaRose as part of their wardrobe, they can look forward to a variety of attire, which caters to
“professional women, who enjoy bold, colorful, and trendy fashion.” The signature pieces of SokanaRose includes off-shoulder sleek bodycon printed dresses, a 4-way 2-piece skirt set; bodycon tube-top jumpsuits; and a mudcloth and leather bag, with a wooden, Sankofa bird handle. If you have ever attended a fashion scene, with the phenomenon of SokanaRose, one is likely to experience a world where the water tales of Liberian and Ghanaian shores come to life.
The city of Atlanta has been a fashionable garden for one rose.
“Almost upon immediately upon launching, I was invited to showcase my collection at various shows around the city. My very first fashion show was at Calvin Johnson presents Atlanta Fashion Week, where I had the opportunity to network with other creative and influential people from the metro area.”
As the summer season gets underway, interested buyers of SokanaRose can look forward to the up and coming All White Summer Collection. “It will show the versatility of the brand by showing all-white styles with an African print flair,” states Williams. It’s evident that Summer 2023 will expand the creative venture of SokanaRose. Get ready for a summer, rose scent! It’s going to be filled, with a dual twists of Liberian mixtures, with a tastes of Ghanaian breeze!
