In the world of fashion, what we wear has the power to convey a message, tell a story, and sometimes inspire change. Headed by Daniel Agyemang, the brand is about honouring culture, enjoying the environment, and wearing clothes with a positive impact. Agyemang sees fashion as a powerful platform for change and to tell the world about Africa’s diversity and richness.
In search of creating a platform that showcases true fashion as one that empowers, uplifts, and teaches others, he started his journey into fashion to express the vibrant colours, cultural heritage, and unparalleled beauty of his African heritage. The result was the start of Akoto – a brand that tells a tale of Africa’s diverse culture. Akoto’s famous soft pieces of cotton and airy chiffons pay tribute to the modern woman who appreciates comfort and style.
Akoto is a movement rather than merely a brand. It is a celebration of women, sustainability, and conscious creation. However, Akoto has a deeper purpose than just being aesthetically pleasing. Beyond aesthetics, Akoto’s commitment to sustainability remains strong. The fashion house achieves little waste while maintaining outstanding artistry through the creative repurposing of abandoned textiles, small-batch sourcing, and new on-demand manufacturing techniques. By implementing fair working conditions and no-waste standards, the brand demonstrates its dedication to ethical production, and it only works with partners that share this objective. Even leftover fabric is used as decorations for other clothing or as pocket squares.
The brand launched a line of designs that appeal to boldness and modern style. From the masterful use of cut shirts and flared pants to the dramatic layering that gives attraction to every form, the collection reinvents classic apparel for the modern person. Each design uses bold hues, eye-catching shapes, and adaptable cuts to convey confidence and hope. The collections are more than clothes – they are ideas, feelings, and memories just waiting to be made.
Each piece in the 2023 collection narrates a story – one that is deeply ingrained in Africa’s many landscapes, and this is what makes the brand stand out. These designs give each item depth and significance by living in the cloth rather than merely sitting on it. Akoto’s patterns inspire you to travel with each piece of clothing, whether it’s a pattern that depicts a faraway location or one that evokes the warmth of West African soil.
One item from Akoto’s 2023 collection stands out: a stunning ensemble that perfectly captures the brand’s trademark fusion of modern style, flow, and art. This shirt and pants combo is more than simply an ensemble; it’s a declaration of effortless elegance and carefully planned design.
The spotless white shirt first communicates a sense of purity and sophisticated simplicity, yet Akoto never settles for less. The fabric is ideal for both formal and informal settings since it is smooth on the skin and flows with graceful airiness. The long, flowing sleeves, which act as an element of relaxation, give its wearer unrestricted movement.
The bright yellow buttons – a delicate yet brilliant touch that extends from the neck to the hem – are a striking element that draws attention. The colour suggests the lily flower, a flower that represents grace and rebirth. This conscious choice embodies a tricky balance between boldness and restraint, turning an otherwise timeless white shirt into an expressive masterpiece. However, Akoto’s design style has always managed to combine storytelling with structure. The shirt has depth and character thanks to the extra pattern that is laid over the basic fabric. Whether it’s a textured element, an elaborate embroidery, or an artistic print, this design decision takes the item above and beyond simple fashion to create an experience that speaks to Africa’s rich culture, its complex histories, and the stories that are woven into each Akoto creation.
The trousers, long, straight, and flared at the bottom, which complete the ensemble with an effortless flow. The length elongates the frame, while the flare adds a delicate, almost dramatic finish. Paired with the top, this is where sophistication meets movement. The trousers give the overall piece a long and free fitting that allows air to circulate and movement to be unrestricted. The shape is smooth from the side: it flows dramatically but still maintains structure at the hem. The piece combines structure with comfort – that is what makes it shine differently.
For a blend of both sophistication and power, just finish the look with a sleek, pointed-toe boot made with black leather. A simple yet purposeful accessory would complement this piece – like a cuff bracelet or silver chain necklace that goes with the buttons on the top.
The back view showcases the long, airy sleeves that move with ease. The layered design from the front extends to the back, adding depth without overwhelming the clean silhouette. The angle gives an outline to the legs with a relaxed yet structured fit. With every walk taken, the piece provides a voice to comfort, fluidity, and quiet elegance – a true image of Akoto’s timeless design.
A striking balance of bold contrast and structured artistry—a piece that commands attention without trying too hard. This ensemble from Akoto’s 2023 collection is where soft meets structured, dark meets light, and simplicity meets statement.
Draped in deep black, the top exudes quiet power. The long sleeves steal the show, designed with a step-like pattern that creates a layered, sculptural effect. It’s not just fabric; it’s form. Every tier of the sleeve adds movement, drawing the eye effortlessly. This is the kind of detail that turns a minimalist piece into a masterpiece—bold, intentional, and undeniably elegant.
Then comes the contrast—the pink trousers flowing freely down to the legs in a silhouette that breathes ease. The waistband sits firm, offering a structured fit that holds its ground, while the button closure adds a touch of refined detail. The way the fabric moves—soft yet confident—creates a visual rhythm against the sharp structure of the top.
This piece isn’t just about a battle of colour—it depicts the beauty of opposites working in harmony. The dark power of black meets the warm femininity of pink, and the sharp angles of the sleeves contrast with the soft, flowing pants. This is a masterpiece—a lesson in contrast, confidence, and modern flair—an Akoto trademark.
When seen from the side, this combination adds a whole new level of attraction. The top’s solid, structural shape is made even stronger by its long, flared sleeves. From this vantage point, however, you can also notice the slight swing of the fabric, which lends a sense of fluidity to the otherwise precise design. In profile, the black-and-pink combination looks stunning, highlighting the contrast. An element of ease is added by the trousers, which flow down to the knee. From the side, their tailored fit is even more apparent, skimming the body just right—structured but never stiff. This view illustrates the balance between the conventional and the contemporary.
Every item purchased is an investment in a lifestyle rather than just a piece of clothing. This is what sets Akoto apart from others: a lifestyle that appreciates ethical character, sustainable resources, and careful creation. Every button, cut, and well-considered detail is made to inspire, empower, and transform the ordinary into the exceptional