Kofi Ansah
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Kofi Ansah | |
|---|---|
| Born | 6 July 1951 Ghana |
| Died | 3 May 2014 (aged 62) Accra, Ghana |
| Education | Chelsea School of Art |
| Occupation | Fashion designer |
| Spouse | Nicola Ansah |
| Children | Joey Ansah, Ryan Ansah and Tanoa Sasraku |
Kofi Ansah (6 July 1951[1] – 3 May 2014) was a Ghanaian fashion designer. He was considered a pioneer in promoting modern African styles and design on the international stage.[2] He was married to Nicola Ansah and the father of actor Joey Ansah, Ryan Ansah and visual artist Tanoa Sasraku.[3]
Ansah was born in Ghana in 1951[4] into an artistic family and his interest in art and design was encouraged by his father, a photographer and classical musician.[5]
Ansah studied at Chelsea School of Art, graduating in 1979 with a first-class honours degree in fashion design and distinction in design technology.[5]
He initially made his name working on the UK fashion scene as he made headlines on his graduation when he made a beaded top for Princess Anne.[6] In 1992 he returned to Ghana,[5] where he set up and ran the successful design and creative concept company Artdress.[7]
He was the founder and past president of the Federation of African Designers.[8][9] Characteristic of his style was the use of quilting, embroidery and appliqué.[10]
He died at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital,[7] aged 62, on 3 May 2014. His funeral was held in the forecourt of State House in Accra.