Going to Kpando in a Tro Tro

Afia-in-the-raw:

Back in Accra for a few days.   I intuitively decided on the textiles for the collection on Day 5 - easy.  Finding these patterns in bulk, however, has been quite the treasure hunt.  Purchasing from small vendors is one of Afia's core values, as this venture exists to immediately benefit individuals at the ground level.  The challenge/adventure of this model is that finding 24 yards of a particular pattern requires dodging in and out of the small shops in the chaotic market.

Team Afia did some relaying this week.  Elizabeth left us (tragic) and passed the baton to Evan, photographer/videographer extraordinaire. 

The Hot African Sun pretty much schools the American southern summers Evan is used to.  He has spent much of the time with his shirt off, resulting in a cruel sunburn and an even crueler nickname, Shirtless Joe Jackson.  He is also known in the Accra markets as Mr. White.

Evan’s primary job description: “Just make us look cool, man.”

We are now back in Kpando for week two of production.  We traveled via Tro-Tro, a big van that is Ghana’s form of public transportation.  We made a new friend named Wilson.  Evan, a member of The Gold Magnolias soul band *promotional plug!* was inspired by the situation and wrote us a song:

Going to Kpando

In a Tro Tro

Eating homemade bread

Packed in like sardines

Sweatbeads on my forehead

Shot of Kevino per my mother's request:

Next post will include an **exclusive preview** of the collection...