And the 189th edition in Kakumdo was not just a celebration of academic excellence and legacy. It was what we can only describe as a masterclass in Ghanaian occasion wear.
We know some of you have already screenshotted your favourite looks and forwarded them to your dressmakers with “Can you do this?” attached. As you should.
From mothers who clearly understood the assignment to old girls who stepped in like shareholders of Cape Coast, the fashion was heritage, quiet money and soft intimidation in perfect harmony.
With that said, and yes, we know it’s not a competition (please, let the record show), the 2003 year group lifted the bar so high we’re still stretching our necks.
Now 2004… hmm. We love you. We respect you. But keeping up with Wesley Girls 2003 was not small work. There were strong individual moments, but as a unit? Let’s just say the group WhatsApp might need a follow-up meeting.
And 2005? Oh, we are watching you.
From what we saw this year, the foundation has been laid. If this is the warm-up, next year might be… intense. Start budgeting. Start planning. Start calling your tailor early.
We’ll be there again. Clipboard ready.
And to the Gey Hey girl who accosted us recently to ask why we didn’t post last year, we hear you. Please accept this as our formal apology. We promise to keep our eyes sharp and our verdicts ready; No Speech Day will pass us again.
To the aunties who might be slightly offended by this review, it’s all love. The group chats have already done their own fashion analysis in great detail. We are only documenting history, small p333.
Now that we’ve cleared the air, let’s get into the looks that had us adjusting our glasses and whispering, “Ei.”
Dakoa Newman
Dakoa Newman, former minister of Gender and Social Protection
First of all, I think it’s important to note that you cannot attend a Wesley Girls event and play with kente. That’s illegal in spirit.
Several guests arrived in rich, handwoven kente that draped with the kind of authority that makes you sit up straight. But this look on Dakoa Newman? A complete gag.
This is the kind of outfit that announces, without raising its voice, “My ancestors are proud, and my tailor charges consultation fees.”
The corset was sculpted to perfection. Not squeezed. Not struggling. Sculpted. The structure was clean, the yellow patterns were placed with intention, and the beading caught the light at exactly the right moments. Every detail looked thought through.
Verdict: 9/10
Nana Akua Sarpong Manu
Presido! Sei Kutuu! Sei Bam! And that pixie haircut? It’s the kind of cut that says, “I have nothing to prove, but I will still prove it.”
Pairing that hair with a Victorian-style corset and mid-sleeve Chantilly lace was a strong move. The silhouette was structured, feminine and slightly dramatic without tipping into excess. It felt considered.
Though if we’re being honest, the slit could have gone a little further. A bit more intention there would have elevated the entire look from solid to unforgettable.
The ombré effect didn’t fully translate the way it probably did in the sketch. From a distance, the gradient felt a bit lost. But up close? The detailing came alive. The pattern work was intricate, and the beading was ornate without looking heavy.
We know someone saw this look and immediately gasped, “Eiiii, can she even breathe?”The answer is No!! We do not breathe in couture. Structure comes first.
Now that we’ve addressed public concern, let’s be serious. This was a solid look. The beadwork choice was refreshing. Not the usual safe sparkle. It had personality. It had intention. It had range.
And pairing it with a turban? Masterstroke. The balance between the fitted silhouette and the regal headpiece pulled everything together beautifully. For a moment, we were confused. Is this an engagement ceremony? Is this Speech Day? Are we witnessing both at once? We tried. We really tried to find something to critique. A loose thread, a slightly off seam, Something.
Nothing. And honestly, that alone feels suspicious. Because how are you going to show up this correct and leave us with no material? Now we are forced to deduct one invisible mark just to protect our brand.
Why are you stressing us with such a good look?
Verdict: 9.5/10
Nana Yaa Ahmed
nanayaaahmed
This world, honestly, nothing beats simplicity with a touch of sophistication. Such a refined dress for an unproblematic queen. The off-shoulder silhouette with that bow detail? Slightly playful without doing too much. Because who even wakes up and says, “Let me add a bow here,” and it actually works? Some of you are creative ooo.
The long, sleek ponytail sealed the deal. It was giving Sonya Blade energy. (Where are the Mortal Kombat fans??) Add a designer bag, gold pumps, and just enough statement jewellery to remind us that subtle doesn’t mean boring. Everything felt intentional, and nothing was fighting for attention.
Sister, yɛ feeli wo w’ati.
Verdict: 8/10
We miss the old days when your photo gets posted, and someone immediately runs to the comments to type your full government name with pride. Tagging culture was sweet back then.
Anyway. We like this look. Why? Because it understands balance. The traditional silhouette is there, grounded and familiar, but the sculpted wave shoulder brings in a modern twist that keeps it interesting. And let’s talk about the skirt. The pattern placement was deliberate. Nothing looks random.
The corset? We like it. Notice we said like, not love. It does the job. It holds the structure. It complements the shape. We didn’t fall to our knees over it, but she looks really good.
And sometimes, really good is more than enough.
Verdict: 7/10
Afua Konadu Mensah
We really hate how the Ghana sun can destroy your makeup in two minutes flat and has you carrying fans all over but we digress.
Let’s give credit where it’s due: this look deserves applause. Honestly, we have a soft spot for kente dresses that come as a full piece, not the top-and-skirt combo. It just feels… Intentional, Cohesive, Powerful.
The crystal beading on both the plain yellow sections and the patterned green? Chef’s kiss. Attention to detail without being extra. And that yellow which was brighter than the sun itself complemented her skin tone beautifully. The definition of Yellow Sisi.
Add a Bottega clutch, a structured silhouette, and the kind of poise that says, “Yes, I planned this,” and you have a look that’s clearly curated from head to toe.
Madam really planned the look. Ebeeeii.
Verdict: 8/10
Mommie
All of Mommie’s two looks ate, no cap. But if we’re being honest, we’re slightly biased toward this one. And here’s why: the details. She managed to turn this into a look that literally makes you stop and stare. The sleeve trimmings, the subtle embellishments across the outfit, the sparkle beading spread perfectly across the bust area, and the playful twirls at the bottom of the skirt? Classy.. But the Ombre Kente did not come out well, and we blame the weaver
And that bob cut hair? Chef’s kiss. It frames everything perfectly and keeps the look modern, sharp, and confident.
Momieee, yɛ ewuraba oo! Come on.
Verdict: 7.5/10
This look really gave off full-on bridal energy. Extra? Definitely. But in the best way. On hindsight, maybe a few elements could have been toned down, but let’s be honest why tone down when you can go full drama?
The only minor gripe is with the ombré kente. It didn’t translate exactly as intended; the gradient lost some of the punch. The outfit itself was heavily beaded and the corset was structured to perfection. It holds everything in place and commands attention.
Verdict: 7.5/10
Estelle
When you’re a pretty girl, dierrr, you really don’t have to do much. The world just notices. With that said, this CB number? We’ve seen it a lot over the 2025 bridal season. Not sure if it was a time constraint thing or just a personal favourite, but it didn’t exactly feel bespoke. Nothing wrong with that—sometimes familiarity works—but it lacked that “stop everything” energy.
Credit where it’s due: the craftsmanship is solid. Everything sits well. And the accessories? Paired with her Bottega, some real gold jewellery, and those silver pumps, it elevated the look nicely. Safe. But pretty. And sometimes safe is exactly what you need.
Verdict: 7.2/10
Juliet Glover Chartey
Here’s what we’ll say about Sister Juliet’s look:Sis, you didn’t have to let your White Sunday Thanksgiving outfit eat more than the kente this time!
This look on its own is solid. Top-notch fit with different beading technique and thoughtful details. The fringe beading on the shoulder though, we hope that wasn’t too much of a bother, but it worked.
That said… compared to that White Sunday outfit, we really believe you could have pushed a little further here. Still, good work. Can we come for those glasses for our own speech day??
These two ladies looked good. A round of applause for the designer of the lady on the left. The way the pattern was placed within the plain fabric gave the outfit that perfect pop. It wasn’t scattered. It wasn’t shy. It was deliberate. And the beading was positioned exactly where it needed to be.
Now the lady on the right understood another key principle: fit is everything. Beyond embellishment, beyond drama, beyond how many crystals you can afford, if the outfit does not sit properly, it has failed you. Hers was a perfect fit with clean lines. It was structured where it should be and flowing where it needs to. It hugged in all the right places. At the end of the day, the first responsibility of any outfit is simple: fit like a glove. Everything else is decoration.
Verdict: 7.5/10
Love this lady. She carries herself with poise and grace, and that alone elevates any outfit. You can tell she understands presence. But let’s talk honestly. There’s something about the corset that didn’t fully land. Maybe like a few construction details felt slightly off. It was not disastrous, just not as clean as the rest of the vision deserved. When a corset is the foundation, it has to be precise. The peplum detail on the right side might have been one idea too many. Removing it could have streamlined the look beautifully. Sometimes editing is the real luxury.
That said, the sculptural piece at the top did a lot of heavy lifting and it gave the outfit personality and dimension. Without it, the look might have felt flat.
As for the skirt, there was room to push it further. The green beading gets a bit lost and doesn’t quite highlight the slit the way it should. Overall, it’s a good look. Worn confidently, which always helps. With a few adjustments, it could have been exceptional.
Verdict 6.8/10
Josphine Larbi
One thing I’ll always respect is a woman who refuses to follow the status quo. Fashion is personal. It’s expression. It’s choosing to be seen.
Now let us hold your hand gently and let you know that this dress had strong ideas. The fish-boning corset technique was beautiful, structured and intentional. Plus, the crinoline sculpture added drama in a way that felt bold and self-aware.But the execution needed a bit more refinement.
The joining between the corset and the skirt lacked a certain level of cleanliness and that transition is crucial. It should feel seamless and almost invisible but it drew attention for the wrong reasons.
The asymmetrical skirt also struggled to feel fully cohesive as some sections worked and others felt like they belonged to a slightly different vision.
Still, we appreciate the risk. Standing out takes courage. A little more editing and precision, and this could have been a serious moment. But the hair and makeuo really ate
Verdict: 6.5/10
The lady on the left kept things safe and modest. She had clean lines, a proper fit. There was nothing offensive or chaotic. It did what it came to do.
But… it wasn’t memorable. It won’t haunt us in the best way. It won’t show up in next year’s inspiration folder. And that’s okay. Sometimes you just want peace.
Now to the lady on the right. Sis. That drape. It simply did not need to be there. It felt like an afterthought. Like someone said, “Hmm, something is missing,” and grabbed extra fabric five minutes before stepping out. Instead of elevating the look, it distracted from it.
Without that drape, this could have been a very strong moment. The base was solid and the silhouette had potential but the added fabric interrupted the flow and broke the cohesion.
Editing is power. And in this case, less would have given us so much more.
Verdict: 6/10 and 5/10
Ugghhh. Who designed that Kenbré (kente-meets-ombré experiment?) It really tried to sabotage a few good visions this year. We need answers and possibly a review meeting.
But now, this right here? This is how you do a kente dress. What? Ladies, you both understood the assignment and added footnotes. The beading was controlled and the pattern placement was thoughtful.
The sleeves had presence without overpowering the frame. And that synched waist — small but mighty — did exactly what it needed to do. You can tell this wasn’t rushed. The tailoring is confident and the proportions make sense. Sweet mommie vibes activated. Wait!!! FUPA where? We are not seeing anything. Only clean lines and intentional design.
Judging from the top part alone we will give it a 7. Look at that smile, add a 1 but we will deduct marks if we see the base and it’s not what we love.
See? We said it. Without the drape, this dress was good work. And she is so pretty, which already gives the outfit a head start. But that messy lace is now the loudest thing in the room. Instead of complementing the structure, it distracts from it. Lace should soften or elevate a look, not compete with it.
Simple but clean so its a 6.8/10
First of all, the ladies with sisterlocks are already winning at life. Now this auntie? She did not come to play and she came to remind everyone that experience matters.
Honestly, she’s one of the first to use that Kenbré fabric in a way that actually works. Instead of letting the ombré fight the kente, she controlled it and the design feels intentional, not experimental.
And can we talk about the restraint? The minimal beading was a smart decision. With fabric that bold, over-embellishing would have been a disaster. She understood balance and she let the structure and print do the heavy lifting.
Auntie, we need your designer’s contact, the person knows what they’re doing.
Verdict: 7.5/10
Let’s focus on the slit because that is the only thing we truly love about this look. The slit had intention, it gave movement, it gave a little attitude. It understood the assignment and showed up on time.
Everything else? Let us protect our peace. If we continue, someone will say we are spreading malicious content and we are not trying to enter any family WhatsApp groups as today’s topic. So we will stop here. The slit did its job. We thank it for its service.
Another sisterlocks queen who truly won. She didn’t overcomplicate anything. There was no unnecessary drama, no extra fabric fighting for attention. Just a clear vision executed properly.
The inbuilt corset gave the structure it needed without looking forced while the neckline was flattering and intentional. The sleeves complemented the silhouette instead of competing with it.
Everything worked together. Nothing felt borrowed from another idea. It was a cohesive unit from top to bottom.
Sometimes the real flex is knowing when to stop. And she stopped at the right place.
Our international immigration lawyer, we are speaking carefully. We like our passports active. Let’s start with the good. The Bardot sleeve, Beautiful choice. It framed her shoulders elegantly and softened the overall structure. Minimal beading, Smart. It allowed the fabric to breathe. Pattern placement, clean, thoughtful and balanced.
Now. The corset boning and the bra cups needed a bit more refinement. The structure was there, but the finishing could have been smoother. When the foundation is slightly off, it pulls focus from everything else.
That said, the overall look still holds its ground. A few adjustments in construction, and this would have been a near-perfect moment.
We have spoken gently. Visa approved, we hope.
HMMMMMMM!!!! You know what? Some looks we’ll leave for the imagination—no verdict needed.
But seriously… silk and kente? Not a heavenly match. The textures clash, the flow fights itself, and it’s hard to appreciate either fabric fully.
Also… the hair. Can we please do something about the hair next time? It’s just asking for a little more attention so the outfit can actually shine.
Nice patterned skirt, no doubt. The floral kente at the thigh-high slit? It was completely unnecessary and distracts from the line of the leg and breaks the flow.
We won’t even touch the top pattern and the peplum. Some things are better left unspoken. But here’s a public service announcement to all designers, tailors, dressmakers, and seamstresses: iron your fabrics.
It’s that simple; a well-pressed outfit instantly looks intentional, polished, and clean. No amount of beading, pattern placement, or clever cuts can save a wrinkled mess. Clean lines matter, always.
It’s different, and we respect that. The patterned design of the kente? Honestly, I’m barely seeing it. The ombré placement, though, that worked better than most we’ve seen this year. It gave structure and flow to the fabric without feeling chaotic.
The beading was lovely. In fact, it was subtle, deliberate, controlled and nothing over the top.
But… it doesn’t exactly excite me. It’s probably the smartwatch. Somehow, it changes the energy of the outfit, turns it from “moment” to “practicality first.” It’s giving efficiency over drama, and in fashion, sometimes that tiptoes on the edge of underwhelming.
Still, overall, competent. Just not jaw-dropping.
It looks like some of you weren’t paying full attention, so let’s repeat it one more time: opt for clean designs, well-pressed clothes, an excellent fit, and silk-press those weaves.
We loved that some opted for different style directions—risk-taking is appreciated—but the designers could have done more. That pleated skirt needed a little more life and precision. The corset structure could have been sharper, cleaner, and more intentional.
At the end of the day, details matter. And when they’re right, everything else falls into place.
Ayoo!!!!!! Let’s start with the pretty lady on the right. We agree women’s bodies change, and that’s why designs should work with that, not against it. Honestly, we’re torn. Not quite sure what to love or what to hate. It works, but it could have used one or two tweaks to really elevate it. Something else could have been done to make it better, but the foundation is there.
Now, the lady on the left. Great ideas. Beautiful skirt. Beading on point. But the top!! Sis, it’s swallowing you whole. For a petite frame, this outfit didn’t do your body justice. It needed structure and proportion that actually highlighted your figure instead of hiding it.
The fact that it reminds us of an armadillo or a pangolin doesn’t sit well with our spirit
Honestly, there were so many things we wanted to praise: the silhouette, the detailing, the thought behind it. But the teardrop beading? That armadillo energy just dominates everything. It refuses to let us fully celebrate the rest.
Maybe the pose helped a little. It gave some life back to the look. But, sis… the design choice will haunt us a bit. A cautionary tale for future experiments.
Jennifer Koranteng, Arielle
There are school events, and then there is Wesley Girls’ High School Speech Day.
Jennifer Koranteng & FRIENDS, come forward! We need to talk!! This honestly should have been a video review so you could see the full chaos we’re trying to describe. Did you guys not read the WhatsApp group chat? Or at least the memo? It clearly said Speech and Prize Giving Day, not Paris Fashion Week.
Yes, once a beauty queen, always a beauty queen. But did you have to slay us like this? You just lifted the bar so high that next year there’s literally no scale left. We hope you’re happy now. Go back to your seats.
Eeeii, she even added a kente bag, a shoe and a kente bow for the hair. All three ladies came through. If your children ask for the Trinity, show them these ladies.
It’s been a great review, but let’s end on a sombre note. Yes, women after 20 years have different bodies. Life happens. Some of our mothers and aunties, even at their age, did not look this good. The point is simple: know your body and dress accordingly.
To the lady with the tulle skirt: yes, not everyone should attempt a corset. That thing is hard work. And there were plenty of other outfit options that could have worked just as well.
Also… please, no more kente-and-fascinator experiments. It didn’t work. Hair out of place, chunky beads not aligned, belt fighting the look; it all clashed.
We won’t be remembering this look fondly, but if you’re coming back next year, Wesley Girls’ High School 190th Speech Day, please… wow us.
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