‘Pure Water’ Raincoat
BY HIKIMA MAHAMUDA
The project draws attention to packaged water, known as “pure water” in Ghana, which is the most popularly consumed form of water in the country. As it is typically found in 500ml bags or sachets, it has become a significant contributor to plastic pollution, with the empty sachets often ending up in landfills and open drains. This plastic waste poses a severe threat to the environment and exacerbates climate change. The burning of these plastic bags releases harmful emissions, further impacting the climate, while those that clog open drains contribute to flooding during heavy rainfalls. As a fashion designer passionate about sustainability, Hikima was deeply moved to take action. She decided to up-cycle empty sachets by designing unique raincoats as part of a campaign to raise awareness about the effects of climate change and emphasise the urgent need to reduce environmental damage. By transforming waste into wearable art, her aim is to foster a greater understanding of the environmental challenges we face and encourage collective efforts to protect our beautiful planet for future generations.
ABOUT HIKIMA
Hikima Mahamuda is a self-taught fashion designer from Tamale in Ghana and is the founder and creative director of Hiky Muda Clothing. Hikima began her fashion journey during her national service at the Tamale Teaching Hospital in 2014. Fueled by her passion, she taught herself essential sewing skills, pattern drafting, and flat draping. Some of her designs are stocked in the popular concept store ‘The Shop Accra by Eyetsa’ in Accra. Hiky Muda Clothing stands out as a sustainable brand, crafting both custom-made and ready-to-wear garments. Notably, she ensures that the fabric scraps generated during production are upcycled into doormats by local artisans. Beyond her fashion pursuits, Hikima is actively involved in tackling plastic waste in her city, exploring ways to reduce its impact.