Beaded Kente Ladies Shoe (Stilettos) for Contemporary Ghanaian Traditional Weddings

Abstract

This paper focuses on the creation of a beaded kente ladies shoe (stilettos – women’s shoe with a long heel) for contemporary Ghanaian traditional weddings. The research sought to identify some of the types of footwear brides use for traditional weddings, and improve the design through the integration of beads and kente. Research questions posed were as follows: 1. What are some of the footwear used by brides for traditional weddings? 2. How can the design of one of the shoe types be improved with the integration of beads and kente? The descriptive research method was used to give details on the tools and materials used for the footwear, types of beads and kente, and the processes for making the ladies footwear for traditional weddings in Ghana. The participatory product design method was used, where the would-be users of the footwear were involved in the design process. The population for the study was 150 residents of Manhyia, a suburb of Kumasi. It was realised that, in terms of footwear for traditional weddings, the preference today’s woman has is for the flat or the stiletto kind. The target price, target users and product features were established based on which intended designs/sketches were made. The creation stage saw the use of six (6) operations: pattern cutting, closing, lasting, attaching, arrangement of beads, and finishing. Techniques employed were user friendly and can be practiced by many a person.