Milan showcases young African designers

Abrima Erwiah was inspired by Italy’s artisanal heritage to co-found Studio 189, working with craftsman from Ghana and other African nations.

“I just saw what it was like to visit second- and third-generation artisans in Italy,” said Erwiah, whose father came from Ghana and mother from Mississippi. “People were living with dignity and they could send their kids to school and do all these great things.”

Through the brand founded in 2013, she and her co-founder Rosario Dawson are trying to help be agents of social change in Ghana, where they work with artisanal communities and have a factory.

The Studio 189 looks included indigo and batik cottons in long, festive silhouettes, like a multi-tier red and white triangle print with a black-and-white diamond print top.