Emerging Fashion Innovators in Ghana Struggle with Isolation

While the Ghanaian fashion industry has made significant strides in recent years, Creative Director of dotMarique, Derick Acheampong, better known as Marique, highlights that the journey to recognition and success is still an uphill battle for many emerging designers.

In an insightful conversation with Graphic Showbiz on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Marique opened up about the challenges faced by young creatives in the Ghanaian fashion scene. He painted a rather grim picture of a lonely road for aspiring designers due to a lack of adequate infrastructure, support, and opportunities. While the fashion industry is part of the broader creative sector, Marique stressed that it remains underdeveloped, making it harder for budding designers to thrive.

Marique noted that one of the primary obstacles to success is the lack of a supportive framework for young creatives. “The system here, particularly in the capital, is not set up to support young people, regardless of their field. The cost of starting a fashion business has become nearly impossible for most,” he explained. From exorbitant costs of equipment to the high rent and operational expenses, the financial barriers are overwhelming for those trying to break into the industry. According to Marique, the absence of an enabling environment makes it difficult for young designers to push forward with their aspirations. “If we could address these issues, I believe that every creative would have a much more fruitful journey,” he added.

Another significant challenge is the highly competitive nature of the fashion industry, especially with the rise of social media. Marique acknowledged that while platforms like Instagram and TikTok have made it easier to showcase designs and reach audiences, they have also intensified the competition. “People may think that social media has made things easier, but in reality, it’s become more challenging because there are thousands of other designers fighting for attention from the same audience,” he remarked. Many young designers enter the space with hopes of gaining recognition quickly but often struggle to stand out amidst the crowded digital landscape.

Furthermore, Marique emphasized the need for collaboration in the creative process. Reflecting on his own journey, he explained that working in isolation often limits growth and innovation. “Before dotMarique, I used to make all the decisions for each collection by myself. But I’ve realized that working with a team can help slow down the pace of the creative process, allowing for more refined ideas and better outcomes,” he shared. Despite now working as part of a duo, he believes that more perspectives are essential for continued creative evolution. “Even though we’re a team of two, we still need to consult with others to help refine our work. Collaboration is vital because while it’s important to stay true to your own vision, input from others helps to perfect that vision,” he added.

Marique’s advice for aspiring designers is to be purposeful and committed to their careers. He stressed the importance of dedication and continuous learning in order to succeed in the creative industry. “If you’re considering a career in fashion or any creative field, you need to be intentional about your path. Don’t treat it as a second option or a hobby. Learn every skill necessary and stay focused,” he urged. Additionally, he advised that emerging designers should observe and learn from the experiences of others, particularly the challenges faced by those who have already made their mark in the industry. “Understand what others are doing, what struggles they’ve faced, and learn from their mistakes to avoid the same pitfalls,” he said.

Looking toward the future, Marique shared his vision for dotMarique, expressing hopes for expanding the brand’s reach across Africa and beyond. He outlined an ambitious long-term goal for the brand, aiming for recognition on the African continent and international fashion scenes. “Our vision is to make a mark in Africa and beyond. In the next five to ten years, we hope to have showcased at major fashion shows across Africa and to be featured in key fashion publications and events. Ultimately, we want to produce unique, high-quality garments that stand out in the global fashion landscape,” Marique concluded.