Though raised in Southern California, fashion designer Mimi Plange grew up immersed in the culture of her hometown: Accra. It was her mother’s photos from 1950s Ghana that first introduced Plange to fashion. “That’s how I fell in love with clothing and identity,” she says. “I always wanted to showcase the real country that I experienced through these images in my designs.” Her clothing mixes traditional African and modern influences, counting Rihanna and Michelle Obama as acolytes of its distinct cool.

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Accra

Where to Eat and Sleep: While nothing beats sleeping and eating at her mother’s house while in Accra, Mimi has several other favorite locales while in the city. For authentic and delicious Ghanaian food—including fufu, banku, jollof rice, and grilled, fresh-caught tilapia—she loves Ayiwa Ghana, a combined restaurant, gym, spa, and salon with live music. The best place to rest your head is the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel.

Where to Shop: The Makola Market is the best place to get incredible street food and shop traditional items like beads, shells, and fabrics. If being unique is your thing, there are plenty of seamstresses and local designers you can visit to create one-of-a-kind dresses and suits.

Makola Market

What to See and Do: If you’re feeling adventurous, Mimi recommends a day trip to Kakum National Park to do the Canopy Walk above the trees and animals. You can sleep in a treehouse while elephants walkthrough the thick wilderness below.

Kakum National Park Canopy Walk

Head back to the July/August 2022 issue homepage

Recycled Glass Beads by Global Mamas

Spicy Drinking Chocolate by Midunu Chocolates

Mini Maya Platter by Studio Badge

Volta Wine by Sai Wine Café

A Man of the People by Chinua Achebe

Baba Tree Pakiguro Baskets by Goodee

Leaping Monkey by Asafo Flags

Accra

Makola Market

Kakum National Park Canopy Walk

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See Accra Through Designer Mimi Plange’s Eyes