Why Kente Gentlemen?
The brand was honestly born out of a personal necessity to adorn my culture in spaces, far from home, where I felt a crisis of identity, a pure longing for home. To me, clothing does reflect one’s particular background, set of emotions, idea of the world, or even reinvention of such. And ever since coming back home, in late December 2015, after a decade living abroad, I have been on a constant research, discovery of the excellence in craftsmanship our local artisans are able to put forth. In collaboration with them, I design each piece with a contemporary, minimalist approach which reflects the culture, the heritage of the craft, the color in our streets and the warmth experienced in our people; but also the cosmopolitan nature of the global village we all belong to.
Aristide Loua - Founder - Creative Director.
This collection is a party! It’s an ode to the cultural, musical achievements of Africans and the African Diaspora in the post-colonial era, from the 70’s up to the 80’s. The way our mothers, aunties, fathers, and uncles jazzed up, flared pants, glittery looks and daring fits, performing, and partying to the sound of artists and musicians of that era. I can feel the nostalgia, the energy oozing in my veins. From hearing the first notes, I am ready to hit the dance floor, all dressed up in hues of blues, red, purple, and orange. Marvin Gaye, Fela Kuti, Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Luckson Padaud, Nina Simone, Ernesto Djédjé́, Curtis Mayfield, are among the few, from whom I found the eclectic inspiration. These legends were ready to live and party all night and day, and that amidst to the ongoing terrors of systemic racism and neo-colonialism. Being black and beautiful was the motto! This here is a tribute to them.
For every season, there’s a great deal of pain and sorrow, solitude and Sodade. Soon enough the days of healing, truce and solace will come forth. And Lord, would they overflow and overwhelm us with love and happiness. I personally find peace in reading this very poetry, that is life. And to that, I sincerely say: more life, more poetry.
Sodade is a collection which reflects on the similarities between colors and emotions.
Each color is an emotion. Blue represents hope. Pink, romance. Yellow, happiness. And the dark color speaks for sorrow, or despair. Sometimes I feel a bit of romance, a drop of poetry, when I feel so much hope for a bright future. Other times, I rejoice in happiness, even when my soul drowns in an ocean of sorrow. And this last contrast of emotions can be reflected in a suit jacket, all in dark color, but with the flaps of the pockets and the lining are rather in bright yellow color.
I try to normalize, accept and feel every emotion as they come. It's good to feel things as they are.
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