Get to Know: Interview with Totally-Ethnik!

Starting in 2013, Totally-Ethnik “was launched as a luxurious lifestyle fashion brand for the confident woman who exudes ethnic beauty in all spheres.”

The brand incorporates the cultural fabrics and designs of Ghana, such as the kente cloth, and "Poids Baoule" of Cote d'Ivoire, along with Bogolan of Mali to create a fresh take on clothing. With dresses, skirts, capes, tops and accessories, Totally Ethnik not only visualizes a powerful woman, but elegantly recreates it.

I asked the fashionable mind behind Totally-Ethnik some questions about the importance of cultural inclusion, and her thoughts about cultural appropriation. Get the perspective of someone in the industry!

1. What inspired the name behind your website/clothing collection?

Each collection's inspiration over the years differ. As we usually name our collections based on inspiration behind the types of fabric we use,the idea we want to communicate or the trend in vogue. For instance our most recent collection was called "Colors of the Earth" which was inspired by the earthy tones in the fabrics we used from brown, to desert sands, mustard etc.

2. How do you mix your Ghanaian heritage in your clothing?

Actually, Totally Ethnik is owned by an Ivorian based in Ghana. And as such, we used some fabrics of Ghanaian heritage fused with other African inspired to create our designs depending on what outcomes we want for each piece.

3. Why did you start Totally-Ethnik?

Totally Ethnik was started off as as an Interior Décor company which later transitioned into a clothing label later in 2013 with Marie KIPRE as the Creative Director and CEO together with 2 other sisters. The brand was established with the vision to promote the richness, luxury and originality of our African culture through fashion.

4. What are some of your favorite pieces in your collection?

This is quite difficult to answer as we have over the years produced over 7 main collections and 2 capsule collections. I will say my favorite is my most recent collection as each collection comes with its own creativity, designs and inspiration.

5. Do you think there is a misconnect people have when it comes to

celebrating a culture versus appropriating it?

Yes, I think people in an effort try to celebrate other cultures, but end up misusing it or even making it their own; which in itself is wrong.

6. What are some ways people can avoid appropriating another culture?

They should work with the people of those cultures or better yet, give due credit to those cultures from which they are taking inspiration and designs from. This way, every culture is recognized and celebrated.

7. How do you feel when you see Western or European designers using characteristics specific to Ghana or Africa that are used incorrectly?

It’s quite a sad thing to see others misusing other cultures or designs without due credit. There is no doubt that we as Africans have our own challenges in the fashion supply chain, however this misrepresentation shouldn't be encouraged.

8. How important is it to support culturally-authentic designers?

It is very important as it helps promote Africans and locals. It also moves us towards sustainable, social and ethically responsible fashion brands.

9. What do you hope people (especially non-Ghanaians) get out of your clothing?

Totally Ethnik aims at making clothing celebrated all over by the modern fashionista who exudes ethnic beauty and confident to wear African Design brand irrespective of which part of the continent they are in.

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