TEXFA students turn UEW streets into runway for Akwaaba Week Fashion show
The streets of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) were transformed into a vibrant runway on March 5, 2026, as students of the Department of Textiles and Fashion (TEXFA) staged a colourful Street Fashion Show as part of the TEXFA Akwaaba Week Celebration 2026.
Held from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the show turned the stretch between the Student Centre and the department into an open-air fashion arena. It formed the second segment of the day’s activities, following a Fashion Summit held earlier in the morning.
Fashion Takes Over the Streets
The lively show attracted hundreds of students who lined the streets to watch the runway presentations. About 30 models from the Texfa Modeling Agency, the official modeling body of the department, showcased the designs.
While some models were drawn from other departments within the university, the majority were TEXFA students.
The runway featured a diverse range of creative works designed by students, including streetwear, avant-garde fashion, African wear, upcycled designs and denim collections. The show highlighted the creativity and innovation emerging from the department.
Traditional Ghanaian textile artistry was also strongly represented. Tie-and-dye fabrics featured prominently, demonstrating TEXFA’s commitment to preserving indigenous textile traditions while embracing modern fashion trends.
Platform for Young Designers and Models
Organised by the TEXFA student executives in collaboration with the Texfa Modeling Agency, the show served as a practical platform for students to test their creativity and professional skills.
Beyond the glamour, the event aimed to prepare students for the realities of the fashion industry while showcasing their work to the wider university community.
One student designer described the experience as motivating.
“It feels good to see how the audience accepts and appreciates our crafts. This is very encouraging as a student fashion designer,” the student said.
For the models, the event also provided an opportunity to build confidence and grow their careers.
“Having the opportunity to build my modeling career is something I don’t take for granted. Whatever platform I get, I have to give my all,” one model said.
Energy, Performances and Crowd Excitement
The atmosphere throughout the show was electric. Enthusiastic students cheered as models delivered confident runway walks, with some adding dramatic moves and daring stunts that drew loud reactions from the crowd.
A dance performance by a student and his crew added further excitement, turning the street show into a lively cultural spectacle.
The programme was hosted by students Deborah (Level 200) and Portia (Level 300), whose lively presentation kept the audience engaged throughout the event.
Showcasing TEXFA Talent
The event also drew key figures within the department, including Head of Department Dr. Emmanuel Abban, patron Sir Edward Buxton and several lecturers from other departments.
Speaking about the significance of the event, Dr. Emmanuel Abban emphasized the department’s mission to showcase its talent beyond the classroom.
“As the Head of this Department, my ultimate vision is to project the incredible talent being prepared from our department. The world needs to see what skill we instill in our students. We will not only be confined in the four corners of our lecture halls but we will deliberately and internationally project what we are. And this is who we are—we are TEXFA!”
A member of the organizing team also highlighted the importance of such initiatives:
“It’s very important for us as the organizing body to do this. These are some of the things we need to do not just to showcase what’s being taught in the department but also to prepare us for the world out there.”
The Street Fashion Show formed part of the three-day TEXFA Akwaaba Week Celebration, which also included a beach party at Windy Bay Lodge in Winneba and a final “Jams” event at Letzter Code Lounge.
Following the success of this year’s edition, organisers say the Street Fashion Show will become an annual event, further strengthening TEXFA’s mission to nurture the next generation of fashion professionals in Ghana.
