Some brands just get it. AAKS is one of them. The kind of label you stumble across, then immediately wonder how you didn’t know about it sooner. 

Founded in 2014 by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi in Kumasi, Ghana, AAKS brings West African weaving traditions into the world of modern luxury, and it does so beautifully. Each bag is made by hand using centuries-old techniques passed down through generations of women. You can feel the story in every stitch.

The Vision Behind AAKS

Akosua Afriyie-Kumi studied fashion in London, which sounds like the start of every designer success story, right? But instead of staying in Europe and chasing that scene, she packed up and headed home to Ghana. Her focus? Bringing back a traditional weaving craft that was slowly disappearing and giving it the spotlight it deserved. And yeah, we know — that’s no small feat. But as she told the British Library, she started AAKS “to show the world that Africa can create beautiful, high-quality bags using traditional skills.” Safe to say, she understood the assignment.

Since then, AAKS has earned features in Vogue, Elle, Forbes, and even landed on shelves at Anthropologie and Nordstrom. (Not bad for a label that started with raffia and a mission.)

Take the Ara Oval Bag, for example — it captures everything Akosua set out to do. It's handwoven, full of personality, and effortlessly blends tradition with a modern edge. If you’re new to AAKS, trust us, this one’s an easy favourite to start with.

How AAKS Bags Are Made: Craftsmanship & Colour

Each AAKS bag is a week-long labour of love — woven with locally sourced raffia, dyed using vegetable-based colours, and finished with organic cotton or leather trims. 

Need something that just... works? The Oroo Natural Bag is that low-fuss, high-reward piece you’ll use nonstop. Soft, sun-washed, and endlessly versatile — it practically lives on your shoulder.

If you're after a small bag that still makes a statement, the Baw Pot Mini Bag is PERFECT for you! It’s compact, textured, and grounded with a leather handle that gives it polish without trying too hard.

Drawn to clean lines and bold colour? The Sinsi Wavy Bag brings all that and more with its striking trapezoid shape and sharp contrast. It’s refined, but not rigid — modern with just the right edge.

From Ghana to the World

But AAKS is more than just beautiful bags. It’s about sustainability. Empowerment. Revival. Every design supports local artisans with fair wages and steady work – it’s fashion as a force for good. Akosua has built more than a brand; she’s created an ecosystem.

Looking for a day-to-day option that’s smartly designed? You should check out the Curve Shoulder Bag. It’s soft, minimal, and easy to wear with just enough room for the essentials. You’ll wonder why you didn’t have one sooner.

Feeling bolder? If you love a pop of colour, you need to get the Hawa Rainbow Bag! It’s bold, joyful, and finished with an adjustable strap for all-day comfort. We guarantee that it’ll brighten even the greyest outfit!

Shop AAKS Handwoven Bags on ADJOAA

Explore the full AAKS collection now on ADJOAA — and carry a story worth telling. 

About The Author: Crystal Tan is a marketing and communication intern at ADJOAA, pursuing a bachelor’s in Global Management at Thunderbird School of Global Management, ASU.