SUBWAE’s New Collection Is An Ode to Architectural Resilience and Community Spirit In Ghana

Ghanaian-based streetwear brand SUBWAE has once again captivated the fashion world with their latest collection, “Accra Landscape.” Rooted in the heart of Ghana, this unisex collection resonates with a profound appreciation for negative space architecture, the artistic realm, and the local surroundings that have influenced every stitch and fold.

Launched in 2018, Christopher Akpo’s SUBWAE brand has swiftly ascended the African streetwear ranks, establishing itself as a storytelling brand with a distinct and evolving aesthetic. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every fibre of its being, from the choice of materials to the collaborative production processes with local artisans in Accra.

Their latest collection is a visual and tactile representation of the brand’s deep-seated connection to its environment. Drawing inspiration from the very common white plastic chairs that grace the exterior spaces of countless households in Accra, SUBWAE has ingeniously woven together the narrative of community, resilience, and artistry.

These plastic chairs, synonymous with everyday life in Accra, serve as both a functional object and a metaphorical emblem. From family gatherings to casual encounters, the white plastic chairs have become an integral part of the local culture, weathering the elements with unyielding durability. SUBWAE’s collection pays homage to this ubiquity by embracing recyclable materials, repurposed fabrics, and innovative garment dyeing techniques. Inside the collection, there is everything from oversized off-white button-up shirts featuring plastic chair graphics, shirts with an “R” alluding to the trifold (reduce, rework re-use) slogan, shorts and hoodies.

A true testament to the brand’s commitment to sustainability, each piece in the “Accra Landscape” collection bears the mark of the brand’s meticulous craftsmanship. Collaborating closely with local artisans in Accra, SUBWAE breathes new life into waste fabrics and raw materials, weaving them into a symphony of textures, colours, and forms. The result is a harmonious blend of fashion and art, celebrating the beauty that emerges from the convergence of nature, architecture, and human expression.

As the collection takes its well-deserved place in the spotlight, it follows the trail of an anniversary pop-up and a captivating book launch. These milestones highlight not only SUBWAE’s journey but also its aspirations for the future of fashion—a future where aesthetics and ethics converge.