Abrima Erwiah: Empowering Ghana’s Artisans through Studio 189

For Abrima Erwiah, fashion has always been more than an aesthetic pursuit; it is a vehicle for social and economic change. As the co-founder of Studio 189, a label she launched with actress Rosario Dawson, Erwiah has spent the last decade building a bridge between the ancient textile traditions of West Africa and the fast-paced world of international luxury. Based in Accra, Ghana, her workshop is a vibrant hub of "makers" who are reclaiming their heritage through hand-batik, kente weaving, and natural dyeing. Her work is a testament to the power of the "Made in Ghana" story and its potential to uplift entire communities.

Erwiah’s background in the New York fashion scene gave her the technical and business acumen to understand global markets, but it was her return to her roots that provided her with a mission. She was profoundly impressed by the "creativity, innovation, and resilience" of Ghanian artisans who produce high-quality work despite daily infrastructure challenges. This inspired her to create a production facility that not only hires workers but also supports students and encourages new talent to stay within Africa’s borders.

A defining philosophy of Studio 189 is its commitment to sustainability, which Erwiah sees as a combination of environmental care and social equity. She draws inspiration from visionaries like architect David Adjaye, whom she admires for his ability to utilise local materials, such as bamboo, to create modern and sustainable designs. Similarly, Erwiah leverages Ghana's natural resources, using plant-based dyes and locally grown cotton, thereby ensuring that her garments are as eco-friendly as they are beautiful. This "Heritage Tech" approach ensures that traditional methods are preserved while being adapted to meet the quality standards of modern luxury.

The journey of Studio 189 has been one of constant curiosity and adaptation. Erwiah notes that one of the biggest achievements of her team has been sparking a global curiosity about what is happening in the Ghanaian creative scene. By promoting the "Made in Ghana" label, she has helped create jobs and inspire a new generation of creatives to start their own projects on the continent. Her vision for the future is to continue "spreading her wings," expanding the impact of Studio 189 into more regions and showing that ethical fashion is a viable, long-term business model that benefits both the maker and the wearer.

Despite the accolades, Erwiah remains grounded in her local context. She believes that the true success of Studio 189 is measured by the individual lives transformed, the students who gain scholarships, the artisan who can afford a home, and the community that takes pride in its local production. Her work serves as a roadmap for how African makers can bridge the local and the global, appealing to a wide audience while remaining fiercely committed to their roots.

Lessons for Budding Makers

Abrima Erwiah’s success with Studio 189 provides essential insights for those looking to build impact-driven brands:

1. Prioritise the Ecosystem: Erwiah’s work shows that building a brand is not just about the product, but about supporting the students, artisans, and infrastructure that make the product possible.
2. Bridge the Local and Global: With their "Adjaye-like" approach, which uses sustainable, local materials to create a global aesthetic, makers can appeal to international markets without losing their authentic identity.