West African Designer Therese Poku to Debut her Ghanaian-Inspired Designs During

Baltimore's Fashion Week August 11, 2009

"My designs highlight the opulence and elegance of ethnic fabric and weave them into exquisite creations"

Baltimore, Maryland - July 29, 2009 -President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama traveled across the Atlantic to experience the vibrant culture and warm hospitality of Ghana, West Africa. During Baltimore's Annual Fashion week, experience Ghana in our very own city as Therese Poku, Principal Designer and CEO of Regal Clothes, makes her first highly anticipated presentation and unique interpretation of Ghanaian/Western infused style.

 Ms. Poku's expertise and understanding of two distinct cultures is a direct result of her international upbringing. "I was raised with one foot in the West and one foot in Africa, the memories of my diverse childhood are strongly reflected in my fashions. This collection is a representation of my vibrant worlds coming together!"

 "I remember the flamboyant Royal Durbars when all the Kings and Queen Mothers enrobed in gold from head to toe and the most stunning silk and gold woven Kente fabrics would parade with such pomp and pageantry, they were so breathtaking. In addition, her fashion sense was also influenced by her youth spent in Montreal and Toronto, Canada as well as extended visits to Paris and other fashion capitals.

"My inspiration comes from the Grand Avenues of New York, Paris and Montreal where fashion is an obsession and strutted with passion. These cities have added a distinct international accent to her eclectic style. My designs highlight the opulence and elegance of ethnic fabric and weave them into exquisite creations", states the petite designer whose energy and elegance is a true reflection of her vision. 

Regal Kente/Tafetta Gown

 (Model Kita Owens)

Designer, Therese Poku 

 After 15 years as a successful Mortgage Banker Ms. Poku had an epiphany following the birth of her son. She began making traditional African children's clothing because she could not find anything similar to the outfits her great grandmother would painstaking sew for her and her siblings. "It was so amazing how she would embroider special Adinkra symbols into outfits and explain the story behind each one.

I remember feeling so regal and important when we donned one of her amazing handiworks. As the seventh of nine children it took a while for some of the clothing to be passed down to me, but even then the outfits remained in wonderful condition and the fabric quality increased with wear. Interest picked up quickly when my clients began requesting Daddy and me and Mommy and me matching outfits for special occasions and bridal parties."