The prestigious British Fashion Awards celebrated the 2024 edition of NEW WAVE: Creatives, honouring 50 of the most innovative and inspiring young talents in the creative industry.
This year’s event, held at the iconic Royal Albert Hall as part of the Fashion Awards, brought together an illustrious crowd, including Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Venus Williams, Maya Jama, and a live performance by Afrobeats superstar Wizkid.
Among those recognized were two remarkable Ghanaian creatives: Jude Lartey and Christian Saint. Both are trailblazers in their respective fields, redefining African narratives and showcasing Ghana’s vibrant culture on a global stage.
Jude Lartey: The Storyteller Through the Lens
Jude Lartey, a self-taught image maker and filmmaker from Ghana, has captured the world’s attention with his evocative visuals and thought-provoking narratives. At just 26, Lartey has already established himself as a visionary, using fashion as a medium to explore masculinity, community, and the essence of time.
His acclaimed campaign for Converse exemplifies his ability to intertwine fashion with storytelling, creating visuals that resonate deeply. Working from his home studio, Lartey constructs cinematic worlds with carefully crafted sets and handpicked muses, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
Lartey’s versatility extends beyond fashion. His debut solo show, Land of the Morees, documented the intricate lives of a small fishing community, reflecting his deep affection for Ghana’s coastal regions. His work, inspired by his childhood, pays homage to the beauty and challenges of life along Ghana’s shores.
With features in The Guardian, GQ, Dazed, Vogue, and collaborations with global brands like Adidas, Lartey is solidifying his role as a cultural commentator, redefining the way African stories are told.
Christian Saint: The Multidisciplinary Visionary
Christian Saint, a multidisciplinary artist, director, and creative producer, has made waves with his bold commitment to authentic African narratives. His work, deeply rooted in the storytelling traditions of the continent, challenges misrepresentation and amplifies the voices of African creators.
Saint’s impressive portfolio includes collaborations with brands and artists like Beats by Dre, Apple, Roc Nation, Skepta, Rema, and Sarkodie. His work seamlessly blends art, film, and fashion to celebrate the vibrancy of African culture while addressing pressing issues.
His latest exhibition, Strands and Structures, is a poignant exploration of Ghana’s environmental challenges through the lens of hairstyles. Showcased in Accra and Toronto, the exhibit is a striking reminder of the intersection between creativity and activism.
Saint who attended the event in London in the company of his wife has had collaborations with media outlets like GQ, Complex, and The FADER, highlighting his dedication to empowering African creatives and challenging stereotypes.
His work not only celebrates African beauty but also elevates the continent’s stories on the global stage.