LCCA Fashion and Textiles alumna Mary Martin has been recognised with the Creative Fashion Icon of the Year Award at the 16th African Achievers Awards .
The award recognises Mary’s outstanding contribution to the fashion industry and her lasting impact as a creative whose work champions culture, identity and African heritage on the global stage. Reflecting on the honour, Mary shared with us how her journey began at LCCA and the experiences that helped shape her career.
“I was truly honoured and deeply grateful to be recognised in this way,” she says. “Receiving this recognition made me reflect on how far I have come.”
“When I first started studying Fashion and Textiles at LCCA, I had to learn to read, write, and even take a maths test at an adult education centre because I had missed out on so much education earlier in life. At the time, I never imagined where that journey would lead.”
Looking back on her career, Mary says it’s impossible to choose a single defining achievement. Among the milestones she treasures most is seeing the 9th December officially proclaimed “Mary Martin Appreciation Day” in Fulton County, Georgia, USA.
“To have a day named in my honour is something I never imagined and is a reminder that hard work, perseverance, and serving others can make a lasting impact.”
In 2025, Mary was also crowned Queen Mother of Mafi-Anfoe in Ghana’s Volta Region, a role that allows her to support local communities while championing creativity, education and service.
In addition to these honours, she’s also received the Ladies’ Choice Ghana Fashion Icon of the Year Award, an Honorary Doctorate from Myles University, and now the African Achievers Awards’ Creative Fashion Icon of the Year Award.
Yet Mary believes her greatest achievement lies beyond the accolades.
“Coming from a background where I had to learn to read, write, and study before beginning my fashion education, these recognitions are more than awards, they are proof that faith, determination, and resilience can overcome any obstacle.”
“My greatest achievement is not only what I have received, but the lives I have been able to inspire through my journey.”
Mary credits her time at LCCA with giving her the confidence to pursue her ambitions and build her international fashion brand.
“LCCA changed my life. It gave me the confidence to truly believe in myself as a designer.”
“When I started, every day was a challenge, but the support I received helped me develop my creativity, technical skills, and confidence. LCCA gave me the foundation to build my brand Mary Martin London and to take my work onto the international stage.”
She also remembers the encouragement she received from her tutors.
“They believed in my creativity and pushed me to think bigger. One of the greatest lessons I learned was that fashion should tell a story. That has stayed with me throughout my career and is the reason every collection I create has a deeper meaning and message.”
Throughout her career, Mary continues to use fashion as a platform to celebrate culture and identity.
“Fashion is more than clothing – it is a way of telling our stories. Creativity allows us to inspire. Culture reminds us where we come from, and identity celebrates who we are.”
“I have always used my designs to honour African heritage, celebrate diversity, and give a voice to people whose stories deserve to be seen. Fashion really does have the power to unite people across the world.”
Reflecting on her journey, Mary hopes current LCCA students will make the most of every opportunity and never lose sight of their ambitions.
“Never give up on your dream. Believe in yourself, work hard, and stay humble. Success does not happen overnight.”
“Be willing to learn, accept challenges, and always treat people with kindness and respect. Your reputation is just as important as your talent. Most importantly, create from your heart, because people will always remember authenticity.”
Looking back at the student she once was, her message is equally powerful.
“Keep going and never doubt yourself. The journey will not always be easy, but one day your work will be recognised around the world.”
Congratulations to Mary on this well-deserved recognition. We’re proud to see our graduates making such a positive impact on the creative industries around the world.
