From a single sewing machine to international recognitions, Afua Sam marks two decades of creativity, impact, and giving back.

We are thrilled to honour our celebrated honorary fellow, Afua Sam, as she marks the 20th anniversary of STUDIO D’MAXSI DESIGNS this June. Her extraordinary journey as a fashion designer is a true testament to passion, resilience, and purpose.

What began with a single sewing machine and a self-taught vision has evolved into an internationally recognised fashion house known for its distinctive craftsmanship, timeless elegance, and unwavering commitment to social impact.

Over the past two decades, Afua Sam has built something that goes far beyond a mere brand. Through her work, her designs have supported and amplified causes including education, domestic violence awareness, breast cancer awareness, anti-bullying initiatives, poverty relief, and animal welfare. Through every stitch, she has demonstrated that fashion can be both expressive and transformative.

Afua Sam’s work has been featured in numerous leading publications, including Vogue, Marie Claire, Essence, and Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), and showcased across international, national, and regional television platforms. Her designs have dressed Hollywood actresses, musicians, corporate executives, and influential leaders, solidifying her reputation as a designer who seamlessly merges style with substance.

In 2026, Afua Sam was honoured with the Art in Motion Fashion Icon Award at the Caribbean and African Women of Impact Honors in the USA, and recognised as one of our Divas of Colour Honorary Fellow Honoree this year, and Distinguished Creative Visionary Fashion Designer in 2024, further cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in purpose-driven fashion.

Additionally, she was among the distinguished designers featured in the inaugural runway show at the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the Pink Tie Party, and the National Cherry Blossom Parade, marking another milestone in her expanding international presence.

Throughout her career, Afua Sam has used the runway and red carpet as platforms for advocacy, proving that fashion can uplift voices, tell powerful stories, and inspire meaningful change.

As she enters her third decade in the industry, Afua remains deeply committed to innovation, mentorship, philanthropy, and empowering the next generation of creatives.

“Fashion should do more than make a statement, it should make a difference,” said Afua Sam. “This 20-year milestone is not just about longevity, but about purpose, community, and lasting impact.”

“True visionaries don’t just create beautiful things; they create meaningful change. Afua Sam is the perfect definition of that truth,” says Faustina Anyanwu, Founder of Divas of Colour. “When we recognised her as a Distinguished Creative Visionary and Fellow Honoree here in London, it was a celebration of her artistry and her heart. Reaching a 20-year milestone in this industry is extraordinary, but doing it with an unwavering purpose is what makes her a true trailblazer. Congratulations, Afua, on two decades of excellence.”