Afua Sam is an International multi-award winning Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur. Founder, CEO and Creative Director of Studio Dmaxsi, one of the fastest growing global fashion houses based in Washington, DC, USA.
The multiple award winning, talented and highly sought after fashion designer has severally been described as, Elegant. Classy. Innovative by editors.
Described by fashion icon and former editor-at-large for Vogue magazine André Leon Talley, as an epitome of elegance.
Afua Sam – PearlWoman of the week.
Afua illuminates the world with her fashion designs, creating masterpieces for the chic, bold and edgy modern woman. She remarkably self-taught her way to the top in the industry drawing her creative artistic inspiration from her rich Ghanaian culture and grew up observing influential designers like Oswald Boateng, Kofi Ansah and falling in Love with Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexandra McQueen, Valentino and Betsy Johnson.
Arriving to USA in 1995 with almost nothing in hand, except her ability to create, Afua always knew her life’s purpose was linked to her creations. She began working for local designers at a sweatshirt company and behind the scenes for other fashion designers. It was what she described as “faith and fashion designing” were what kept her going despite personal challenges and family separation.
Two decades later, Afua’s designs has become almost recognisable with her unique touch and creativity, highly priced and sought after. Her designs have been showcased on major runways and fashion shows, traveling to Paris, London and other countries for collaborations in the fashion industry, winning awards, receiving media mentions and dressing everyday people to celebrities for major events such as the Oscars, Grammys, DayTime Emmys, BET Honors; music videos and TV Shows to name a few.
She was also featured in a DC fashion documentary- “The Politics of Fashion” in 2014 and was on Project Runway, making it to the second call audition interview during Season 5.
Afua’s brand of elegant yet edgy collections has gained her a diverse clientele that includes Jamie Foster Brown, Grammy nominated Artist Carolyn Malachi, Glynn Jackson of the Golden Scissors Awards Show, Abiodun Koya Opera Singer, Miss Ghana Universe , Miss China America First Runner Up, Miss Maryland, Miss Black USA DC among others . She says, “Be As Bold As You Can Be But Very Chic And Sexy At The Same Time”
In the midst of distinctive accomplishment of having her gowns worn In Hollywood and across the globe, Afua has a gentle spirit and remains true to her values.
Afua says “My lesson in this journey is that there is more to life than fame and money, it is more about the impact you make on people, the joy you bring to people, the door you open for others . We always had someone pave a way for us and if what I have done has paved a way for another, I am happy.
My message through my fashion brand is – every woman can dare to be bold and confident but still very chic and sexy. My pieces are made for all women, no matter the size, shape, or height. I want to inspire a sense of confidence to every woman who decides to wear a piece that I create for them”.
Afua believes her life’s story is an example of what can happen when one is brave enough to go after their dreams no matter how poor or disadvantaged they may be.”
Afua Sam is also passionate about giving back and empowering young women through her ‘Afua Foundation’.
She believes “you don’t have to be rich to help anybody. As long as you have a voice and a will, don’t think you can’t have an impact on someone’s life. You don’t have to be somebody’ in order to make a difference”
Afua Sam flanked by her models at Divas of Colour fashion show London, 2017 where she won Designer of the year.
Awards and recognition
2017, Diva Designer of the year at Divas of Colour, London.
2016 Female Designer of the Year, by CA AWARDS by C-HUB MAGAZINE,London
2016 Rise Against Cancer Recognition Award,for COMMUNITY Service,MD
2016 The Lead Girls Award for Community Service
2015 Repyogrind Award Top 5 Finalist Nominee,MD
2014 High Fashion Designer Award at Fashion Awards MD (DMV)
2014 Design Challenge Winner at the American Breast Cancer Foundation Event,MD
2013 African Fashion Designer of the Year at African Fashion Awards USA, Atlanta
2013 Trendy Africa Magazine Mother’s Appreciation Event (TAMMAE) Honoree,DALLAS
2013 High Fashion Designer Award Top 5 Finalist Nominee at Fashion Awards MD
2012 High Fashion Designer Award Top 5 Finalist Nominee at Fashion Awards MD
2012 ‘Fashion’ and ‘Commitment to Community Service’ Awards Recognized by Senator Barbara Mikulski at Fest Africa,DMV
2011 Top 10 Afrikan Goddess of the Year Nominee by Afrikan Goddess Online
2011 Certificate For Dedication, Creativity and Commitment to Excellence in the Metro Area by Council Magazine, DC
2009 ‘Excellence in the Fashion Industry’ Couture Designer Award by 3G Magazine, New York
2007 ‘Outstanding African Woman in the Arts’ Couture Fashion Designer Award b Celebrating African Motherhood Organization (CAM).USA,DC
