Waxstyle, the final lap

The excitement, competition and fun galore that normally characterises the annual GTP Waxstyle contest is scheduled to reach its crescendo on Saturday, October 26 at the State Banquet Hall, Accra. The event, dubbed "GTP Waxstyle" Revelation 2003 will also witness the launching of new GTP wax prints created and produced by the Ghana Textiles Printing Company (GTP). The collection has “Education” as the theme, chosen in the belief that through fashion, our society can focus on one of the essential elements holding the key to progress and development in Ghana. Apart from these, the 2002 Waxstyle winner, Mr Thomas Sarfo Boachie a proud past discovery of GTP Waxstyle will enjoy the spotlight as there will be a focus on his cuts and stitches. After a two-year reign, this prodigy of a creative designer, will be handing over the mantle to a new champ. Besides, the competitive nature of the event, guests would be treated to good music from some of the celebrated musicians including world-acclaimed musicians. According to the Group Marketing Manager of GTP, Mr Kwabena Yentumi, this year's event is different from the previous year's since all the gate proceeds from the show would be donated to the GETFUND, to support government in funding tertiary education. He said that was the essence of the organisers choosing EDUCATION as the theme for the occasion. Mr Yentumi said the organisers of the show expect the invited guests to support the worthy cause by donating generously to support tertiary education.
A mouth-watering prize package awaits finalists. The first prize winner will take home a Kenyan Airways return ticket to enable him participate in an international competition in Nairobi. Additionally, the winner will also receive $1000 cash, a collection of wax prints, a set of professional designing tools and a trophy.
The first runner-up will also receive ¢5 million, a collection of wax prints, a set of professional designing tools and a trophy.
The second runner-up, the fourth, fifth and sixth positions will each take ¢2 million, ¢1 million, ¢500,000, ¢300,000 respectively in addition to a collection of wax prints and professional accessories. All finalists will also receive micro-financing support from ECOBANK to enhance their business.
One unique thing about this year's contest according to Mr Yentumi is that the five-member panel of judges departed from what pertained in the past.
He said this time the judges visited the workshops of the contestants to confirm their claims to be the best to represent their zones.
They looked out for good cuts, colour combination, buttons and button holes placement, how well patterns in fabrics have been used, quality control, working environment, among others.
GTP Waxstyle, which started in 1998 is a fashion designer talent hunt competition open to all members of the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA).