AK-QUA CREATIVE CONSULTANCY

By Eva Fydrych

Ak-Qua

Name: CHERELLE QUARTEY-COFIE

Role in Ak-Qua: Co-Founder 

City: London, UK

Photo by Norbert P Photography

FASHION STUDIO: How would you describe your company? 

CHERELLE: Ak-Qua (pronounced 'aqua') is a fashion and modelling consultancy specialising in creative direction and assistance. The company was founded by Bimbola Akinloye, a Business and Management graduate, and Cherelle Quartey-Cofie, a former Miss Ghana UK contestant and model. Bimbola and Cherelle’s shared love for fashion and art caused these ladies to click immediately and later birthed the idea of forming a company specializing in creative assistance.

Possessing a wealth of knowledge and experience within the fashion and modelling industries, Ak-Qua offers a range of specialist services. These include providing models, designers and make-up artists for fashion shows and photoshoots, styling and directing shows and shoots, fashion show choreography and much more.

 Photo by Norbert P Photography

FASHION STUDIO: What are the main challenges of working in fashion? 

CHERELLE: We’ve found that one of the main challenges within the fashion industry is competition. Similar trends and ideas tend to occur amongst designers, so we embark on looking out for fashionable trends with a twist to ensure that we do not blend, but instead, stand out. 

It is easy to become overwhelmed with all of the current styles and trends so as a company, we try to work in phases in order to stay on top of the market at all times. 

In the industry where your position is determined by who you know and who knows you, another factor which has proved challenging is networking. However as our contact list continues to grow by the day, we have come to the realisation that our work speaks for itself and the industry is now our “oyster”.

Photo by Norbert P Photography

FASHION STUDIO: Where do you get the clothes and accessories from? 

CHERELLE: We enjoy working with new, up and coming designers because we love the evolution process. We also use a lot of vintage pieces because they give a sense of individuality and class. However we do have a few hook ups but a magician never reveals his tricks. 

Photo by Norbert P Photography

FASHION STUDIO: Which shopping spots in London would you recommend? 

CHERELLE: We do enjoy a bit of high street namely Topshop, Urban Outfitters and Zara, however London is such a playground when it comes to shopping that there is always a bargain to be found somewhere. We love Shepherds Bush, Camden Lock, Liverpool Street Market and the charity shops. You can also guarantee that there will always be a vintage shop down a side road close to you. 

Photo by Norbert P Photography

FASHION STUDIO: Where do you see Ak-Qua in the future? 

CHERELLE: We see Ak-Qua being involved in major fashion events and editorial magazines. We also hope to establish a modelling agency and launch a charity which uses fashion and modelling as a way to help encourage young girls to strive and be the best they can be without being blocked by insecurities.

By Eva Fydrych

Photos courtesy of Ak-Qua

Photo by Norbert P Photography

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If you would like to know more about Ak-Qua, please visit the company's website http://www.ak-qua.com and blog http://akqua.tumblr.com

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