Kente Gentlemans’ Latest Collection Will Leave You Wanting to Hit The Dance Floor (Literally)

"The birth of cool"

Côte d’Ivoire designer Aristide Loua unveiled a special collection at Paris Fashion Week Earlier this year with the title “The birth of Cool”, referencing nostalgia of the 70’s and 80’s African and Diaspora style that has greatly influenced the designer.

About the collection Aristide Said-

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

Aristide’s use of colors and sequins to give that retro chic look we are all familiar with, plus the tailoring on the suits was a very clever node to his inspiration and love for the 70s and 80s, the collection stands out for more reasons than one and is clearly one for fashion lovers that have a taste and love for nostalgic style

SEE PHOTOS