Established in 2017, Kente Gentlemen is a clothing brand based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire with the mission of fostering ethical means of production and consumption of clothing. In our in-house ateliers, we design and tailor contemporary clothing and accessories, in collaboration with local craftswomen and men.

Color. Poetry. Culture. These elements are essential in my design process. Color is the emotion. Poetry is the messenger. Culture is my voice.

The process starts with the fabric. We work directly with local artisans across Côte d’Ivoire and West Africa, developing handwoven textiles in small batches. Each piece takes time, often several days, sometimes weeks, depending on the technique.

These fabrics are not standardized. The variations in weave, texture, and tone are part of their value. They reflect the hand behind them.

From there, everything is built around the textile. The cut, the construction, the pacing of production. We keep it intentional and made to order, so we only produce what is needed and can maintain quality at every step.

At Kente Gentlemen, the garment is the result of a process rooted in collaboration, time, and respect for craft.

Aristide Loua

Founder - Creative Director