AFRO ELE HAIR ARTISTRY VS DARLING GHANA OBAA SIMA 2X

Run the Braids Way a celebration of African braiding as a language of identity, communication, artistry, community, and heritage. 01. SIMA JUMBO :THE COWRIE PATH Sima Jumbo is a traditional braid characterized by its knee-length structure and curly, free-flowing ends. Each braid is accessorized with cowrie shells placed approximately two inches apart, creating rhythm, movement, and texture throughout the hairstyle. 02. OBAA KOKO : THE KOKO WOMAN Obaa Koko is a full Kora braid inspired by the elongated, curved shape of plantain — known as koko in the Ghanaian context. The name also plays on koko as a reference to a fair/light complexion, creating a visual connection between the warm golden tones of plantain and the complexion-inspired colour palette. 03. SIMA BRAIDED FRENCH ROLL : AFRICAN COUTURE The Sima Braided French Roll reimagines the classic French roll, traditionally associated with bridal elegance, sophistication, and timeless glamour. The classic French-roll foundation is elevated through intricate African braiding, texture, structure, and detailing. Its visual language draws inspiration from hairstyling traditions across Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Ghana, creating a point of recognition for Fanti women as well. 04. SIMA PEARLS : DELICACY IN MOTION Sima Pearls is a contemporary interpretation of the Shuku hairstyle, a braiding tradition originating from Nigeria, blended with the structure of a braided ponytail. The defining element is a collection of small, rounded braided formations gathered into the ponytail. These forms resemble pearls delicate, precious, feminine, and refined. 05. OBAA FULANI : HERITAGE IN MOTION Obaa Fulani is a contemporary interpretation of Fulani braiding, combining structured Fulani-inspired Kora braids with the fullness and texture of long crochet kinky extensions. 06. OBAA FULANI BRAIDS :STRENGTH THROUGH BRAIDS Obaa Fulani Braids is an African artistic interpretation of the Pop Smoke braid, reimagined through the visual language of African braiding. The style features two flat braids at the front and eight long Kora braids extending to the ankles. The symmetry, structure, and extreme length create a powerful silhouette representing character, boldness, strength, and confidence. 07. WOMAN’S STRUCTURE :A STRUCTURE OF INHERITANCE Woman’s Structure is a sculptural braided updo created as a representation of the strong women who hold our families and communities together. The hairstyle is built into an architectural structure featuring branches, rounded curves, volume, and intricate braided forms. Each branch represents the spreading of knowledge from one generation to another. The curves represent adaptability and continuity, while the overall structure represents heritage, inheritance, and generational transmission of knowledge. 08. OBAA BRIDE: WHERE TEXTURE BLOOMS Obaa Bride is an artistic Afro-textured bridal ponytail combining Afro Daisy braids, Obaa Sima 2X extensions, and Afro crochet extensions. The ponytail is elevated with a floral arrangement of flowers and pearls, transforming the hairstyle into a romantic and sculptural bridal piece. 09. SIMA BRIDE : SOFTNESS IN MOTION Sima Bride is a glamorous interpretation of the classic white-wedding hairstyle, designed around softness, elegance, movement, and timeless femininity. Styled as a low ponytail, the look features flowing waves, body, bounce, and volume while showcasing the versatility of the Sima extension. 10. OBASIMA ROYAL : BEYOND THE BRAID Obasima Royal is the final look of the Run the Braids Way challenge a culmination of the different possibilities of what a braid can become. The hairstyle is created as a sculptural headpiece, accompanied by a hair tie styled as a cravat braid, transforming the braid into a complete fashion statement. Vibrant, playful, bold, rebellious, futuristic, and full of character, the look brings together multiple techniques of braiding, construction, manipulation, and styling. Obasima Royal represents the freedom to move beyond conventional hairstyling and explore artistic creativity, futurism, experimentation, rebellion, and non-conformity. THE VISION Run the Braids Way by Darling Ghana is a celebration of what happens when African hair heritage meets contemporary fashion, artistry, and imagination. Through every braid, texture, structure, colour, and silhouette, the collection explores how African hair can communicate who we are, where we come from, what we inherit, and what we choose to create for the next generation. Braids are not just hairstyles. They are archives. They are art. They are language. They are inheritance. Created and interpreted by Afro Ele Hair Artistry. Creative Direction & Hair Artistry: Afro Ele Hair Artistry Runway: Run the Braids Way by Darling Ghana #RunTheBraidsWay #DarlingGhana #AfroEleHairArtistry #AfricanBraids #HairHeritage #ghanahair