Afriyie Poku Takes Top Prize At The 2012 PERONI Style Atlanta: Emerging Designers Competition

Online, August 24, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Atlanta's fashion community gathered at the beautiful Carnegie Salon at 200 Peachtree in Atlanta, GA for the PERONI Style Atlanta: Emerging Designers Competition on Thursday, August 16, 2012. Presented by Peroni Nastro Azzurro and under the leadership of Field Marketing Manager, Steve Canal, the Italian beer synonymous with style and fashion hosted the first of a series of global competitions providing emerging designers with the opportunity to showcase their lines before an audience of fashion industry experts and tastemakers. The Atlanta competition was a huge coup for the city looking to establish its mark in the global fashion industry.

Four talented designers qualified as semi-finalists after attending an intensive open casting call held the previous month. Olivia Prance, Afriyie Poku, Sarah Pankiewicz and Megan Huntz created spring/summer 2013 collections inspired by their individual style and passion. Atlanta-based designer Afriyie Poku won the competition by a standing ovation for his menswear line entitled, Oberama Afriyie, translated, "the man who is at the right place at the right time."

Born in Ghana, Afriyie recalls his excitement for fashion began years ago as a child in Ghana watching his mother create garments. Although he was fascinated by the industry, male children were not allowed to touch a sewing machine, so for a time he kept his passion to himself. The self-taught designer says his inspiration for Oberama Afriyie came from menswear designs of the 18th and 19th century with his own modern twist.

As winner of the 2012 PERONI Style Atlanta competition, Afriyie Poku will receive:

• A trip for two to New York Fashion Week February 2013
• Complimentary seasonal PR from AW Media Group and Enchanted PR
• ½ off participation in AmericasMart Atlanta Emerging Designer Category for January 2013 market
• Complimentary consultation with Global Bridge Builders
• Complimentary photo shoot for their collection with photographer Dewayne Rogers

In addition to the competition, Peroni Nastro Azzuro awarded Dan and Claire Jason, the creators of Perazzi Apparel/PZI Jeans with the 2012 PERONI Style Award; recognizing the couple's accomplishments in both fashion and their commitment to the community.

Produced by AW Media Group and Enchanted PR, the evening was a monumental one for the city, as some of Atlanta's most respected fashion experts participated in the event. Judges for the 2012 competition included Tenley Gilstrap of SCAD-Atlanta, Ashley Skaggs of AmericasMart, Michele New of Saks Fifth Avenue - Atlanta, Joseph Smith of Konsortium Koncepts, Meredith Garcia of theFashionList.com and David Goodrowe of Goodrowe | Hobby. Industry notables in attendance included entertainment mogul Devyne Stephens, Ebony Steele of the Ricky Smiley Morning Show, Hannah Kang of Grand Hustle, Socialite and Boutique Owner, Teresa Caldwell, Country Music Star Tribble Reese, R&B singer Nivea Hamilton, International Deejay Baby Yu and numerous celebrity stylists, boutique owners, buyers and key influencers. Additional sponsors for PERONI Style Atlanta include co-hosts Eboni Elektra and Tracy Nicole, Uber Luxury Car Service, One Stop Productions, Style Session Firm, MikkiFarrar.com, Salon Soy, and the Fabian Photography.

For additional information about PERONI Style Atlanta, please contact:

Christal Jordan | Enchanted PR | 678-499-0297
-Or-
Angela Watts | AW Media Group | 678-637-0982