Meet the designer

herstory

Started in 2021, Diaspora Atelier was the brainchild of designer Cardum Penn. She turned a social venture import business for Ghanaian ready-made clothing and art into an innovative clothing design brand. Sourcing and handpicking fabrics from both Ghana and Mali, Cardum works with her Ghanaian tailor to create unique looks. Calling on her talents as a visual artist and visionary, she brings a new excitement to Afro Future clothing design, from formal to streetwear.


Diaspora Atelier + Afro Future = DA+AF

DA+AF PHILOSOPHY

Nkyinkyim (n-chin-chim)

An Adinkra symbol of the Akan people in Ghana, stands for initiative, versatility and dynamism. When I think of these qualities, I think of the African Diaspora and the twisting journey to freedom and liberation. This journey is also one of uniqueness, beauty and love. DA+AF garments embody these qualities bringing together simple designs, elevated elements and refined rawness.

Same garment, different vibe. One garment set of 3 pieces can birth infinite looks. Out of one, comes the many. WE define Afro-Future, Culture Forward style. Define You.

DA+AF STyle

We specialize in exclusive designs from seasonal mini collections. DA+AF is characterized by its handmade artisan approach. We love fair trade natural fabrics, raw edges, earth tones and deep colors that bring distinct patterns. We feature various genres of gender-fluid and eco-sustainable clothing… signature elements include natural, faux and plant-based leathers, suedes, cords, tabs and trim, mudcloth fabrics, embossed symbols, corsets, boning for contour, designs for body shaping, elastic high waists, drawstrings, boldly placed textured patches, swatches and detachable components for versatility.

We design for the Afro-Future Culture Forward people who like to dress up and get down to get attention or stand out in a crowd.