Ghanaian sisters Nana and Afua Dabanka were born in Germany, have traveled the world and maintained their strong Ashanti roots steeped in rich culture, an amazing palette of vibrant colors, exotic patterns and fabrics, jewelry and rugs. Nana and Afua are modern footwear designers who have fused a transcontinental sophistication in every pair of elegant sandals they create under their MONAA brand. The luxe leather sandals are handcrafted in Ghana by local artisans in gorgeous thong and slide styles and can be purchased at stores in South Africa and Ghana and online at the Kisua.com website (sold out).
Check out the MONAA sandal signature look here at the sisters’s website, MonaaOnline. These pretty sandals are adorned with embellishments like elegant bells, pom poms, animal prints and gold chains. The colors are luxurious and bright, and the simplicity in design allows the quality materials to speak for themselves. MONAA sandals range in price from $95 to $140 a pair. Additional info and photo galleries of their beautiful styles are available on Instagram and Pinterest
The sisters were inspired to establish their footwear company by pleasant childhood memories of seeing their mother draped in sumptuous Kenti silk clothing and their father walking around in handsome, custom-made leather Ohenema slippers. The designing duo have also honed their creative impulses from the old culture that runs deep with royalty, like the interior of the palace of the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti people.
The MONAA brand name comes with a warm, personal background. Afua’s nickname is “Mo,” and “naa” is short for Nana. The sisters founded the label in 2013, but before they collaborated, they were living worlds apart; Nana was in New York and Afua in London. The women have brought a wonderful global experience to their footwear design aesthetic.
