Out of the Tent Into the Garden of Eden: Afia Anno on Faith, Fashion & Following God's Vision
Photo Credit: Hazel Hammond, HH Visuals
When designer Afia Anno unveiled Out of the Tent Into the Garden of Eden, she wasn't simply presenting a fashion showcase—she was inviting guests into a journey of faith, identity, and transformation. Inspired by Scripture and shaped by her own walk with God, the evening blended fashion, storytelling, music, and immersive design into an experience that challenged guests to dream beyond limitations. In this conversation with Live Affirmed Magazine, Afia shares the heart behind the collection, the lessons God has taught her through the creative process, and her vision for the future of the brand.
The title Out of the Tent Into the Garden of Eden is rich with biblical symbolism. What inspired it?
The title was inspired by the biblical moment when God called Abraham outside of the tent. Inside the tent, his vision was limited by what he could naturally see, but outside, God revealed something greater. I wanted the showcase to reflect that journey—from limitation into possibility, from confinement into freedom, and from uncertainty into purpose. Fashion became the visual language through which that transformation was expressed. The Garden of Eden represented a place of beauty, abundance, creativity, and divine intention.
Your own story is woven throughout this collection. How has your faith journey shaped both this showcase and the Afia Anno brand?
My journey has deeply shaped both this collection and the Afia Anno brand. For many years, I struggled to find clothing that aligned with my desire for modesty while still feeling fashionable, elegant, and expressive. I often felt there was a gap between honouring God through the way I dressed and finding designs that reflected creativity and beauty without compromising my values.
What began as a personal search gradually became a calling. Through that journey, God led me into fashion design, showing me that modesty and beauty are not opposites. They can coexist. Out of the Tent Into the Garden of Eden reflects that same journey of stepping beyond limitations and embracing a fuller expression of identity and purpose.
Building Afia Anno has required faith, courage, and a willingness to follow the vision God has placed before me. The brand exists not only to create beautiful garments, but to demonstrate that fashion can be elegant, bold, intentional, and God-honouring. Every collection is an extension of that story and a reflection of where God has led me.
Photo Credit: Hazel Hammond, HH Visuals
You've spoken about God teaching you confidence. What has that journey looked like?
If I'm honest, confidence is something the Lord has really worked on with me. I would have described myself as confident, but at the same time I could be the very person overthinking what others thought of me or whether what I was doing was enough. Through this journey, I realised I still had a lot to learn about true confidence.
What God has taught me is that confidence is not found in people's opinions, achievements, or external validation. It comes from knowing who He says I am. He has continually helped me see myself the way He sees me, and that has changed the way I approach both life and business.
Leading authentically has meant trusting the vision He has given me, even when it doesn't always make sense to others, and having the courage to move forward anyway. My confidence today comes from the Lord and from knowing that He is the One who has led me on this journey. When your identity is rooted in Him, you can create, lead, and serve from a place of security rather than striving.
Photo Credit: Hazel Hammond, HH Visuals
How did you translate that message into the garments and the immersive experience guests encountered?
Every element of the show was designed to tell a story. The collections moved progressively from the concept of being "in the tent" into a fuller expression of identity, beauty, and creativity. We used shifts in colour, silhouette, texture, lighting, and atmosphere to represent that journey. The garments themselves reflected different stages of transformation, while the styling and presentation helped immerse guests in the narrative rather than simply showcasing clothing.
A key part of bringing that vision to life was the music. A talented friend of mine created an original musical journey that evolved alongside the collections, helping to guide the audience through each stage of the story. The music worked hand in hand with the garments and atmosphere, creating an experience that felt cohesive, immersive, and emotionally engaging from beginning to end.
Photo Credit: Hazel Hammond, HH Visuals
The visual world of the showcase felt incredibly intentional. What inspired the design details?
The Garden of Eden was a major source of inspiration. I was drawn to the themes of beauty, abundance, creation, and flourishing. Floral elements, movement, texture, and soft yet powerful silhouettes all helped communicate those ideas. I wanted the visual world of the show to feel alive and expressive—almost as though guests were witnessing creativity in bloom. The contrast between the structured "tent" concept and the richness of the garden also influenced many of the design and presentation decisions.
I was also blessed to work with an amazing friend who was able to take the vision that existed in my head and translate it into the set design. Seeing the concept come to life physically was incredible. The set helped transform the venue into an immersive environment that supported the story being told, allowing guests to step into the journey rather than simply observe it. The collaboration was a beautiful reminder that great creative visions are often brought to life through the gifts and talents of others.
Photo Credit: Hazel Hammond, HH Visuals
What did you hope guests would leave thinking or feeling after the evening?
I wanted guests to leave feeling inspired, challenged, and reminded of their own potential. More than anything, I hoped they would see that creativity is not separate from purpose. Whether someone was a designer, entrepreneur, artist, or simply attending as a guest, I wanted them to reflect on what it means to step beyond limitations and embrace who they were created to be. If people left feeling encouraged to dream bigger and create more boldly, then the show achieved its purpose.
Photo Credit: Hazel Hammond, HH Visuals
Your designs are both expressive and wearable. How do you balance storytelling with timeless design?
For me, storytelling should enhance a garment rather than overpower it. I love creating pieces that have presence and make a statement, but they must still honour the person wearing them. I focus on thoughtful construction, flattering silhouettes, and craftsmanship first. The storytelling comes through details, fabric choices, and design elements that add depth without compromising wearability. The goal is always to create pieces that feel memorable yet timeless.
Photo Credit: Hazel Hammond, HH Visuals
As you look ahead, what do you hope this showcase represents for the future of Afia Anno?
I hope it marks the beginning of a new chapter for Afia Anno and, importantly, the official launch of the brand. The show was not just about presenting a collection; it was about introducing the vision, values, and creative identity behind Afia Anno to a wider audience. It was a declaration of who we are and what we hope to contribute to the fashion industry.
Moving forward, I want Afia Anno to continue creating experiences that merge fashion, storytelling, faith, and creativity in meaningful ways. My hope is that this moment becomes a foundation for future collections, collaborations, and opportunities that allow the brand to impact people far beyond the runway. It represents stepping into greater visibility, greater purpose, and greater creative expression.
Photo Credit: Hazel Hammond, HH Visuals