From a Single Sewing Machine to International Recognition, Afua Sam Marks Two Decades of Creativity, Impact, and Giving Back

• Models – Hana Jonine, Ayisha Paige, Grace Appiah, Tamika Young, Rudi, Asma, Jemellie, Monique, Jean is the guy, Sherita Ivory, Amber, Andrea, Bailey, Paris
• Photograper: Daniel Beasley

Celebrated fashion designer Afua Sam celebrates 20 years of her brand, STUDIO D’MAXSI DESIGNS, marking an extraordinary journey rooted in determination, reason, and most of all, passion.

Afua is a self-taught, globally awarded designer who started off with a single sewing machine, an immigrant who has built a fashion house internationally known for its distinctive, timeless, and elegant designs.

Over the past two decades, she has built what has grown beyond a mere brand; her designs have supported and amplified causes including education, domestic violence awareness, breast cancer awareness, anti-bullying initiatives, poverty relief, and animal welfare. Through every stitch, she has demonstrated that fashion can be both expressive and transformative.

“Fashion should do more than make a statement; it should make a difference,” said Afua Sam. “This 20-year milestone is not just about longevity, but about purpose, community, and lasting impact.”

Afua Sam’s work has been featured in numerous magazines, including leading publications such as Vogue, Marie Claire, Essence, and Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), and showcased across international, national, and regional television platforms. Her designs have dressed Hollywood actresses, musicians, corporate executives, and influential leaders, solidifying her reputation as a designer who seamlessly merges style with substance.

In 2026, Afua Sam was honoured with the Art in Motion Fashion Icon Award at Caribbean and African Women of Impact Honours in the USA and FELLOW HONOUREE in London by Divas of Colour as a Distinguished Creative Visionary Fashion Designer, further cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in purpose-driven fashion.

Additionally, Afua Sam was among the distinguished designers featured in the inaugural runway show at the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Pink Tie Party and National Cherry Blossom Parade, part of the renowned Festival, marking another milestone in her expanding international presence.

Throughout her career, Afua Sam has used the runway and red carpet as platforms for advocacy, proving that fashion can uplift voices, tell powerful stories, and inspire meaningful change.

As she enters her third decade in the industry, Afua remains deeply committed to innovation, mentorship, philanthropy, and empowering the next generation of creatives.