A Diva State of Mind

Pink Rocks The Runway is only a few days away!  I had the pleasure of interviewing DC designer Afua Sam of Studio D-Maxsi Designs in anticipation of the fashion event.

Afua is originally from Ghana; her Ghanaian roots and culture serve as inspiration for her designs.  She creates pieces for the chic and funky modern woman. Studio D-Maxsi Designs have been worn by Jaime Foster Brown of Sister 2 Sister Magazine and Glynn Jackson of the Golden Scissors Award Show. Afua’s designs have also been featured in 3G Magazine, The Baltimore Sun, Ghanaian Times and Ghana Web.

ADSOM: What are three words you would use to describe your designs?

Afua: Chic, classy and sexy at the same time.

ADSOM: What was your inspiration behind your current collection?

Afua: I am inspired by color, texture, and everything around me. Most of my very best designs come from when I sit behind the [sewing] machine. I don’t sit around and sketch. Best designs from sitting behind the machine and creating.

ADSOM: Why did you decide to participate in the Pink Rocks The Runway Fashion Show? 

Afua: I have two reasons; first, I received a message from Stef Woods. She wanted me to design her dress. I was so humbled by it. If you are doing something people like, that’s inspiring.

Second, I’ve worked with a lot of breast cancer organizations. I was drawn in because my father and brother died of cancer. I’ve worked with tons of organizations. I also created a bra dress purposefully in honor of breast cancer survivors. Hopefully I’ll be able to bring it to Pink Jams!

ADSOM: What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers?

Afua: Don’t ever let anybody tell you that you can’t follow your dreams.  It doesn’t matter what you want to design. As long as you believe in yourself and this is what you want to do, keep going and someone will love what you’re doing. Dreams do come true.

If you can, you learn about sowing because if you have a vision and you don’t find the right person to bring the vision out, it won’t come out the right way. If you know about sewing, it will help you save money on construction.

ADSOM: Which celebrity would you love to work with that you haven’t worked with yet?

Afua: I love Oprah. I think she’s a big inspiration to a lot of woman. I would love to create something beautiful for her to wear. I would love to do something beautiful for Mrs. Obama. I think she is inspirational, especially for black women.

If you are interested in checking out Studio D-Maxsi Designs and other fabulous designs on the runway, purchase your ticket for Pink Rocks The Runway today!