We were lucky to catch up with Jeffrey Ampratwum recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jeffrey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I developed 2 fashion incubator programs in the South Bronx for middle school students. The program utilizes fashion as a vehicle to promote self-development and nurture the artistic talents of our children. All areas of fashion and fashion studies are covered, such as photography, styling, design, hair & makeup, production, modeling, advertising, marketing and buying.
I also developed and produced an inaugural fashion show for children with severe brain injuries and brain -based disorders. Our goal was to open the conversation for adaptive clothing and full inclusion in the fashion industry and provide access to our children with disabilities.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
I am originally from Ghana, West Africa, but raised in New York City – I was born into a space of creativity. My early style influences were infused with renaissance culture, sartorial structure and street style art. After graduating college with a degree in Biology/Dental Studies, I found himself in Paris to begin a career in fashion design and fashion art curation as a creative director in Womenswear. Thereafter, I returned to the States to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology and went onto complete their fashion styling program, with a focus in Menswear.
While at FIT, I worked with some of the top fashion professionals in the industry, namely Joseph DeAcetis – Menswear expert at Forbes, notable Fashion Stylist Sadia Seymour with Behind the Rack and high profile photographer, Antoine Verglas. I still continue to build relationships in the industry with these creatives as well as with luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior & Hermés.
I am currently teaching Menswear Styling at The Fashion Institute of Technology. I have developed one of the only Fashion Studies programs for middle school learners in the inner city of New York. My work with children in fashion has been recognized and highlighted by several news outlets and community leaders. As a fashion director, my work also includes directing and styling fashion editorials for top magazines, shooting visual campaigns for brands and providing direction for various fashion creatives. In 2019, I launched my own luxury bespoke shoe and handbag company with my best friend, Kenny Occena,which has since been featured in Forbes for its unique design and business model. As a lecturer/speaker and thought leader in my field, I am often sought after around the industry for expert style knowledge in menswear. I spend my time between New York City, London and Paris, where I direct, teach and consult.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
For me – I am interested in providing fashion studies and fashion education to underrepresented youth in the inner city. I am also very passionate about providing individuals with the confidence they need in order to live their best lives through my personal style courses and image consultant sessions.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Being able to shape minds and create creative thinking with respect to fashion and fashion expression.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chedior.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffreyampratwum/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffreyampratwum
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyampratwum/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffampratwum
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCEoyXQ8dLoJni4rwyWB3ZNA