4 Concept Stores to Visit in Accra
Accra has become synonymous with continental cool, offering premium fashion shops in the day and bustling nightlife after sunset--the latter contributing to the eye-catching silhouettes and vibrancy found in the former. In a country known for its textile tradition including kente cloth and mesmerizing wax prints in energetic colors, its no wonder that city’s entrepreneurs have spent the last few decades launching concept shops that blend the best in Ghanaian art and fashion. Below, four concept shops to visit during your next trip to Accra.
Untamed Empire Spintex, Action Church, Spintex Road - Dominion Theological, Accra, Ghana
Equal parts shopping destination, event space, creative hub, incubator, and co-working space, Untamed Empire is a collective with more than 50 local lifestyle and fashion brands that has been described as the “Colette of Africa”. The multi-story building, a distinct black square with angular windows, provides fashion on the bottom and a gallery at the top.
F604/1 Lokko Rd, Accra, Ghana
The brainchild of designer, curator, and Lokko-house founder, Stefania Manfreda, Elle Lokko is known as Accra's first women's concept store, with fashion, body care, art and other designs available for purchase. All of the products sold at Elle Lokko are based on traditional African art and design with a modern twist. The store operates with a conscience. It only stocks body products by brands that infuse their products with some of Africa's most natural and healing ingredients and sells a variety of handmade accessories that are either inspired by or made in Africa. On the shelves of Elle Lokko, you'll find clothing made from Ghanaian fabrics including batik, kente, Bakhtiari, and more as well as t-shirts and high-street-inspired fare with a twist.
#F881/1, Annexe, 6th Street, Osu R.E., Accra, Ghana
La Maison is a treasure trove of design-centric home accessories, furniture, arts and decor from all corners of the globe. The light, airy space is curated by Nada Moukarzel and features everything from chunky sofas to gilded mirrors, reclaimed leather chairs, eye-catching artwork, and African-themed ornaments. While the finely-crafted furniture and home decor are the stars, the shop also offers a selection of artisan jewelry and fragrances including the boutique's signature candle, LOFT. La Maison hosts exhibitions to showcase the work of local artists periodically.
Lilongwe Ave, Accra, Ghana
Viva Concept Store has emerged as one of Accra’s premier luxury shopping destinations and a hub for select artists to showcase their work. Aimed at Accra's growing luxury consumers, the store stocks labels including Self Portrait, Tiffany Amber, Sara Roka, Valentino, Bottega Veneta, and Funke Adepoju, as well as owner Sacha Okoh’s own brand So Aesthetic.
Writer - Quiana Lawrence-Ivey
Quiana Lawrence-Ivey is a New Jersey-based writer.