From West Africa Sierra Leone to the Grand Canyon State, Kadijatu Ahene brings her native culture to the desert. The fashion designer moved the United States as a teenager where she attended Glendale High School and Grand Canyon University.
“We’re all about color, we’re all about elegance and it’s all about culture. Sierra Leone is rich in culture, we are very friendly people”, said Ahene.
Ahene started Dija’s Touch Collection in August 2018 in her home studio because she was dissatisfied with the lack of selection. When guest walk into Ahene’s living room, there are two dazzling couches that give the room a pop of color.
With a positive mindset, the designer began a journey to produce vibrant clothing options. Even in her interview, the dashiki sported bright colors with blue, orange, yellow.
“These [shoes] are made out of many beads, most of time it is common on the waist of women. This is a white lace right here, I just wanted to do something simple with the manikin”, said Ahene.
The collection has plenty of bright colors and according to the designer, that’s what Africa is all about.
“When people wear the color they feel flamboyant, they feel powerful, they feel strong”, said Ahene.
“When you come home, [Africa] what you see is culture, nature, joy, laughter, even if people don’t have food to eat. They’re happy and that’s what I wanted represented in my designs”, said Ahene.
Ahene skills have led her beyond clothing, the artist also creates home decor and footwear.
Dija’s Touch is all about spreading positivity.
“Let’s put all the negative stories behind us, I am beautiful, I am strong, I am powerful, I can conquer, I can do anything I lay my hands on. That’s what Dija’s Touch is all about”, said Ahene.
You can find her Fall collection through her Instagram page by clicking on the link below.
