Ganiyatu Lawal, a graduate from Misornu Creations speak about herself and what inspires her creativity ahead of the 6th Ghana Tertiary Fashion Awards, happening on Saturday, November 30 at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra – Ghana.
Who is Lawal? (Tell us about yourself)
Ganiyatu Lawal is a Human Resource personnel who found her hidden passion for fashion few years ago. As a little girl, I’ve always admired the dresses on dolls and cartoons characters and I’d draw them in my scrapbook because they were beautiful. I never actually stopped drawing dresses even in the university. I never realized the seed for fashion was growing as at then. By God’s grace, a few years back I had the push I needed and I’m here today
How have you evolved as a young creative while studying?
Studying has been a transforming experience that has shaped me as a creative individual.
I’ve discovered my passions and strengths and learned to embrace failure and feedback, as criticism is an element for growth in the fashion world. I’ve also been able to expand my network of like-minded creatives. This personal growth has allowed me to approach projects with confidence, innovation, and a willingness to take calculated risks.
What inspires your creativity
My inspiration comes from a few things. Music, colors, recreating my childhood memories of dresses I’ve seen from watching cartoons and movies, random nature stuff and also confidence in what I envision as an outfit.
What does GTFA mean to you, and how does it feel being a nominee in the 2024 edition?
GTFA means a lot to every emerging fashion designer and fashion design student. It’s a platform that exposes us to the real fashion world because we need it. I need it. I believe in the exposure and experience and I feel very honored that I’ve been nominated this year. Thank you soo much for this amazing opportunity
What are your expectations for this year’s show?
Last year’s show was fun and an experience to something I’ve never experienced before so I’m expecting this year’s to be more exciting and fun and more impactful and more importantly I’m expecting to bring the award home.
Tell us about your current projects and work; what have you been working on?
I’m currently working on my outfit to the awards night. I was inspired by the song “Ja” by Kizz Daniel. I was really feeling myself when I was listening to it and I actually saw myself in an Agbada. Then I thought of tweaking it. I want to make the outfit from denim, recycled denim so that’s patchwork. Putting 3 or 2 different denims together to make a kimono and trouser and at the back, I’ll use the same jeans to outline an image. This is a rough idea of what I’m working on
What are your plans for the near future (further study/internship/work)?
At the moment, I’m trying to figure out the niche in the fashion world I can fit and I’m having plans also for further studying after finding that niche that’ll work for me.
What aspect of the fashion industry do you want to help improve or have a positive impact on?
I’d like to encourage recycling and repurposing to reduce waste and also try to ensure fair wages and safe conditions for fashion apprentices and workers.
What’s your final message to the public?
I’d like to say I’m honored to have been given the chance to share my experiences with you so far in my creative journey. My last words will be stay true to your vision and passion and you can make a difference through your creative expression. “A journey of a thousand miles starts with one big step” You’re never late to start
