Life in Accra, the capital city of Ghana, is vibrant, a cosmopolis with convenient social amenities, historic landmarks, and a towering list of eclectic festivals that are particularly alluring. Its pulse, however, is the culturally attuned creative expression that manifests in arts and crafts, music, culinary dishes, and fashion. Should you be planning a visit to Accra, figuring out what to pack for your trip can seem daunting. But don’t be frustrated yet, as Accra’s prolific fashion scene might be the right motivation to travel light. Come along as Vogue explores, in no particular order, the city’s hottest retail destinations and some hidden gems too.
Viva
Shopping in Accra has undergone a seismic shift thanks to the pioneering role of retailers such as Viva Boutique. The multibrand luxury retail experience is located in the hip Osu neighborhood and is home to international brands such as Bottega Veneta, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Alberta Ferretti, MaxMara, and many more.
In 2018 Viva opened Viva Concept Store in East Legon, which offers a curated edit of its signature international labels as well as prominent African designers, such as Duaba Serwa, Dye lab, Melange by Pistis, Tiffany Amber, and Obida. They also stock handpicked home decor, skin-care products, and their in-house beauty brand So Aesthetic. With a backdrop of understated yet tasteful decor, Viva Boutique and Viva Concept store will impress you.
The Lotte
Located along the switchback road in bougie Cantonments, the Lotte comprises two floors of compartmentalized retail space. It is Accra’s biggest luxury retail concept store by size and variety of merchandise. The Lotte is unequivocal of its mission to champion artistic expressions in fashion, art, and sustainable design. As such, it carries exclusively indigenous African and diasporan luxury powerhouses such as David Tlale, Thebe Magugu, Andrea Iyamah, Christie Brown, Torlowei, Loza Molaembho, and Titi Adesa and beauty brands Charlotte Mensah, R&R Luxury, Dabota Cosmetics, and ByAdel. A selection of evocative art and artifacts punctuates the retail experience. At the Lotte, explore the thoughtfully curated pop-ups, in-person consultations with distinguished African designers, and a host of signature events while you are in Accra.
The Shop Accra by Eyetsa
The Shop Accra is an experience like no other. Located in the quieter neighborhood of Osu, the Shop Accra stocks an expansive range of indigenous African textiles, such as the bogolanfini (mud cloth), kente, and indigo-dyed adire cloth. Its collection of quirky slogan T-shirts—like the classic “Make Fufu, not War”—could make anyone crack a smile. The shop also stocks a wide variety of skin-care products, aromatic candles, beaded bags, sculptures, books, and curios of all kinds. And in case you get fatigued while shopping, the kitchen bar is on hand for a treat.
Elle Lokko Tropics and Modern
