Somewhere in the sun-dappled landscapes of Ghana, where skilled artisans sit beneath sprawling baobab trees, weaving strands of raffia into vibrant masterpieces AAKS was born. It is the perfect combination of vibrant Ghanaian artistry and organic sustainable practices where each bag is a labour of love and the embodiment of a centuries-old craft passed down through generations. Founded in 2015 by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, this unique take on modern luxury bags captures the soul of traditional weaving and tells a story of culture, creativity and care for the planet. AAKS, known for its eccentric designs and bold colours blends traditional artistry with contemporary flair and delivers stunning pieces from statement tote bags to raffia lampshades.

At the heart of AAKS is the raffia, the brand’s signature material sourced ecologically from a small local family farm. Raffia is fully biodegradable making it the perfect choice for an environmentally conscious brand. Every bag is a masterpiece dyed with seasonal colours created using sustainable resources like rainwater and groundwater, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The linings of their unique bags are made from organic cotton and the leather handles sourced locally from small traditional shoemakers, further supporting Ghanaian communities.

The process is meticulous. It takes approximately ten days to craft a single handbag, with every detail carefully overseen by Akosua herself. Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of AAKS. The brand’s commitment to having a "slow fashion" model ensures that only one collection is launched annually, reducing waste and celebrating timeless design over fleeting trends. Even the smallest raffia scraps are repurposed into accessories like pompoms or smaller bags, while recycled packaging is used for all wholesale orders. The studio, powered by energy-efficient LED lighting, reflects AAKS’ dedication to minimising its carbon footprint.

Equally important is AAKS’ social sustainability mission. With 80% of its workforce comprising women, the brand empowers local artisans with dignified work and fair wages. AAKS creates an ecosystem of economic empowerment, fostering long-term partnerships with suppliers and investing in the well-being of its team members.

Akosua’s vision for AAKS is deeply personal. She is driven by the desire to showcase Ghana’s rich weaving heritage to the world while promoting ethical practices in the fashion industry. Her designs, celebrated globally and stocked in prestigious stores like Anthropologie, Nordstrom, and MoMA Design Store, are not just accessories but symbols of sustainable luxury and cultural pride.

Choosing AAKS is more than just buying a beautifully crafted bag. It is making a conscious choice to support sustainability, ethical practices, and cultural heritage. With every purchase, you’re investing in a brand that champions slow fashion, empowers women artisans, and prioritises eco-friendly materials and processes.

For the eco-conscious shopper looking for more than just style, AAKS offers the chance to own a piece of Ghana’s rich weaving tradition while contributing to a more sustainable future for fashion. It’s no wonder they’ve earned the AYA Guide stamp of approval- a mark reserved for brands that embody ethical production and mindful consumption.

AAKS

World Shoe