Community Connex with True Daley: Dorothy Attakora

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Community Connex with True Daley: Dorothy Attakora

4 November 2011 One Comment

True Daley

By True Daley

“Do not follow the path. Go where there is no path to begin the trail.”

- Ashanti Proverb

Mina Danielle Designs (MDD) combines Dorothy Attakora’s passion for women’s rights with her talent for fashion design. The Toronto-based collection celebrates the diversity of African fabrics, style, and esthetics for modern women of all shapes and sizes. Attakora says MDD acts as a vehicle for social change by hiring women in Kenya and Ghana as tailors and seamstresses, some of whom are HIV positive.

The entrepreneur immigrated to Canada from Ghana when she was 5 years old, and has been working as a community health educator for HIV/AIDS awareness in Canada and Africa for the past six years. Attakora never planned to be a fashion designer. During her visits back to Ghana she would regularly go to the Kumasi market, one of the largest in Africa. There, she would purchase fabrics and speak with the women who tailored her custom-made clothes. A sensitive soul, she spent her days learning about their personal challenges and the love they had for their craft.

Dorothy Attakora

She would return to Canada after a few months wearing brightly coloured outfits that flattered her curves and accentuated her shape to perfection. After constantly being asked where she bought her clothing, Attakora decided to expand her skills in drawing and design, beyond her personal wardrobe, and Mina Danielle Designs began. She says, “Luckily, I’m surrounded by some amazing friends who convinced me to take the plunge.”

Considering her upbringing, it seems the seeds for her brainchild were planted early on. The idea of combining one’s creative talents with community engagement is part of her family legacy. Born and raised in Kumasi, Attakora says her couture collection, m.m.one, is a tribute to her grandmother.

“She was an epic trendsetter that dedicated most of her life to sewing. Her expertise in custom sewing, was not only sought after, but led to 45 years of teaching dozens of young girls how to sew. Sewing was a work of art, an art that became a passion for many, including myself.”

Spending her early years in ’The Garden City’ of Ghana’, while being mentored by matriarchs, Attakora says the richness of her Ashanti culture and history continues to serve as a source of inspiration.

“I know how hard it is to find Afrocentric pieces and how hard it is to find certain sizes. Looking at mainstream designers, they use our prints and there is never any acknowledgement. They won’t say, ‘This is Kente or this Batik.’ We don’t hear where these prints come from or what they’re called. No one wants to hear about Africa and yet so much has been taken and appropriated from the continent. I’m a very proud African. The Ashanti of Ghana have symbols such as the Sankofa, which means that in order to move forward in life you have to look back.”

Rooted in tradition while remaining fashion-forward is Attakora’s forte. Her company’s name and logo are derived from the Sankofa symbol, and the middle names of her two younger cousins, one of whom is a ballerina. Aside from vibrant prints, exquisite tailoring, and cutting edge designs, MDD is also affordable and accessible. Her educational background in sociology and international development helped shaped how she would run her social enterprise.

“Right now our online boutique is available internationally. Based on feedback that I’ve heard from a few clients with regards to sizing, we now have a measurement chart. It gives a rough estimate of measurements for the sizing. You order and we deliver. I will also meet Toronto-based clients for two fittings, if they’re looking for a custom-made piece for a gala or a special occasion. You can contact us online and we can set up appointments to do so.”

With invitations from New York’s Africa Fashion Week, Nigeria’s Fashion Week and UK Ghana Fashion week, MDD is garnering international attention for its fresh approach and inspirational business model. According to Attakora, “ The Mina Danielle woman is aware of the marginalization of women’s bodies and the trials that we go through, particularly in women’s fashions, and the struggles to find sizes that fit. She is also able to take a stand against social injustice. She is strong, versatile and able to define herself. The Mina Danielle woman is confident and not afraid of bright colours or standing out and being heard.”

MDD will be showcased on Saturday, November 5th at the finale for the Next Top Aspiring Models Awards taking place at Screen Lounge in Toronto.

Visit www.minadanielle.com