herstory

DA+AF (Diaspora Atelier + Afro Future) started in 2021 when Cardum Penn decided to shift the narrative on what a fashion brand could be. What began as a small import business sharing ready-made clothing and art from Ghana grew into a creative space where culture, healing, and bold design come together. For Cardum, clothing isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about how you feel, how you honor where you come from, and how you move through the world.

Pulling from her roots as a visual artist and storyteller, Cardum travels between Ghana, Mali, and home—handpicking fabrics, sketching new silhouettes, and working closely with tailors from Ghana, Senegal, and the U.S. Every piece is made with intention and care. As a futuress, clothing curator, visionary, and designer, her goal is simple: to help people feel beautiful—inside and out—through pieces that carry meaning, memory, and style.

DA+AF brings all of that to life through its three signature lines: Sacred Threads, Goddess Flow, and Structure + Flow. Whether it’s a reimagined mudcloth jacket or a shape-shifting layered piece, the clothes are made to move with you. Cardum isn’t just designing outfits—she’s creating experiences that speak to identity, power, and possibility.