Afua Sam

Afua Sam is an award-winning Ghanaian-born American fashion designer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She is the founder and Creative Director of Washington D.C.-based fashion house, Studio D’Maxsi, and brand The A Concept by Afua Sam. Afua has received numerous accolades, including multiple wins for ''Fashion Designer of the Year'' and ''Fashion Icon of the Year'' at the Divas of Colour International Women Awards in London.

Early life and education

Born in Teshie-Nungua, Ghana, Afua Sam developed a passion for fashion from a young age. She is largely self-taught and began her formal professional journey in 2006 in the United States with limited resources but a strong creative vision. Her work is heavily influenced by her Ghanaian heritage, which she incorporates through fabric choices, patterns, and storytelling in her collections.

Career

Before leaving Ghana, Sam registered a business under the name A'Frique Number One, upon her arrival in the United States and finding her niche, she went on to found Studio D’Maxsi Designs in 2006. The brand specializes in bespoke evening gowns, red carpet attire, and ready-to-wear collections for the modern woman.

She later launched The A Concept by Afua Sam. Her clientele includes celebrities, Hollywood personalities, corporate executives like Bozoma Saint John and other private clients. Sam’s garments have been worn at major events, including the Oscars, Grammy Awards, BET Awards, Black Panther premieres, The Color Purple world premiere, and the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

Her work has been featured in several publications such as Essence, Marie Claire, Women's Wear Daily, Vogue, Glamour, The Washington Post, and District Fray.

Television and media appearances

Afua's fashion businesses have led to her appearance on numerous television networks in the United States and Ghana, including FOX5 DC, WUSA9, ABC7, Metro TV(Ghana), and GHOne TV. She also ventured into acting, appearing as herself in the production The Politics of Fashion: DC Unboxed.

Philanthropy

Sam is the founder of Afua’s Foundation, which focuses on empowering women and youth. Her flagship initiative, Operation Prom, provides custom-designed prom dresses to underprivileged high school seniors. . Afua has used charity fashion shows to actively supports causes including breast cancer awareness, education and poverty alleviation.

Awards and recognition

Afua Sam has received numerous accolades throughout her career. Notable awards include:

• 2026 – Art in Motion Fashion Icon Award, Caribbean and African Women of Impact Honors
• 2026 – Honoree Fellow as a Distinguished Creative and Visionary Fashion Designer, Divas of Colour London
• 2024 – Fashion Designer of the Year, Golden Gala Awards by GhPAC, Washington DC
• 2024 – Fashion Designer of the Year, Divas of Colour International Women Awards, London
• 2024 – Fashion Icon of the Year, Divas of Colour International Women Awards, London
• 2023 – Innovative Creatives in the DC Area, District Fray Magazine
• 2023 – SNMM HOREE Award for Community Commitment, Excellence, and Ethical Conduct
• 2021 – 100 Most Creative People, C-Hub Magazine London
• 2021 – Top 500 Most Influential Africans in the World, Tropics Magazine
• 2019 – Hall of Fame Honoree, DC Fashion Week

Personal life

Afua Sam is a mother of two and resides in the Washington, D.C. metro area.