Primetime is generally appreciated. That perfect moment when the sun is low in the sky, casting a hazy warm glow over everything. For those who have been lucky enough to experience summer in the popular resort town of Grand Bassam in Côte d’Ivoire, vivid memories of the glint of sunlight reflecting off the ocean at sunset may come to mind. Designer Artistide Loua hopes to reflect this “tropical sexy” feel in her latest spring 2025 show during Lagos Fashion Week. “This collection aims to explore the romance between water and sunlight at a specific moment,” he said. “It all brings you back to the beach: the colors, the textures, the lights.”
Although Loua loves Kente, a traditional fabric from Ghana and parts of West Africa, this collection marked a turning point for the brand. For the first time, he didn’t build it around traditional fabrics; Only a third of the looks are in Kente fabrics. “Although we have gentlemen at the end, we are able to make unisex pieces and feminine pieces [the brand’s name],” he said. He replaced Kent, introducing new fabrics such as linen denim and lace, and creating a more commercial look of light pleats.
Loua showed us that he also pays great attention to detail. Carefully custom-made by artisans in Abidjan, the Kente suit features cast bronze buttons in the shape of a shell, a nod to the treasures found on the beach. Standout pieces include a short striped blazer paired with Bermuda-style shorts, and a white linen denim jacket paired with a white lace midi skirt. He hints that there are more experiments to come: “Kente Gentlemen is a call to remember that the essence of our brand is to use locally made and produced textiles… It’s not just about Kente, it’s what we’re trying to tell.” The whole story.
