Aristide Loua of Kente Gentlemen: “I want people to feel good wearing the clothes and to be proud of how and where they were made.”
In the vibrant world of fashion in Abidjan, Aristide Loua stands out by blending his cultural heritage with modernity. As the founder and creative director of Kente Gentlemen, he has carved a unique niche by reimagining traditional West African Kente cloth into sophisticated menswear and unisex designs.
Aristide’s story is unconventional, yet familiar to many from West Africa. He has an academic background in mathematics - a world far removed from fashion. His artistic spirit found its way during years spent abroad. While living in the United States and India, Aristide’s mother sent him traditional shirts made from local fabrics. Wearing these gifts made him feel connected to his roots. “I was wearing it to work, to hang out with friends, and I realized I needed more of them,” he recalls. It sparked a vision: to create fashion that celebrates African heritage while resonating globally.
The market for African menswear - especially fashion that integrates traditional textiles with modern design - was, when Aristide started, largely underserved. He decided to fill that gap himself by launching Kente Gentlemen, a brand that would embody his passion for style and heritage.
Pictures by Coco Olakunle
Kente is a woven textile created by weaving thin strips of cloth into vibrant, intricate patterns. For Aristide, Kente is a symbol of identity and cultural pride. It forms the foundation of his brand’s aesthetic, though he also uses other regional fabrics and weaving techniques, ensuring each design is a fusion of tradition and innovation.
Kente Gentlemen’s core offering is menswear, especially suits. Aristide’s love for suits stems from childhood memories of watching his father dress sharply for work. Interestingly, many of his clients are women drawn to the brand’s fluid, unisex appeal. Aristide enjoys this gender crossover, highlighting how his designs blur conventional fashion boundaries.
In Europe, African brands are often associated with sustainability, sometimes mistakenly grouped under “ethical fashion” without deeper understanding. Aristide embraces this perception but insists that sustainability is inherent to African fashion practices. “We have so few resources, so we make magic without overproducing,” he says. Kente Gentlemen operates on a made-to-order basis, producing only what clients request. This approach limits waste and ensures quality craftsmanship. “If someone orders a suit, it takes two to three days to make - once the fabric is ready. The entire process, from thread to finished garment, takes about two weeks.” His atelier employs full-time and part-time tailors. By supporting local artisans, Aristide not only preserves traditional skills but also fosters economic empowerment.
The home base of Kente Gentlemen is Lepic, a boutique hotel in Abidjan. Aristide has cultivated a strong connection to this creative hub, serving as the art director and curating the shop’s aesthetics, communications, and events that reflect African elegance and contemporary cool. Kente Gentlemen pieces can be purchased from the shop, which Aristide runs himself, allowing him to meet clients in an environment aligned with his brand’s vision.
When asked about the future, Aristide is refreshingly candid. Unlike many entrepreneurs driven by rapid growth and commercial success, he values artistic freedom above all. Comparing himself to musician Frank Ocean - who releases albums on his own timeline - Aristide seeks the same liberty to express himself authentically through his craft. For him, success is less about fame or fortune and more about self-acceptance and passion. “Success is liking yourself and what you do,” he reflects.
Shop Kente Gentlemen online at https://kentegentlemen.com or in Abidjan at Lepic, Rue Lepic B.P.V. 230, 01.
