‘Embrace local fabrics as cultural symbols’
Oheneba Yaw Boamah, founder of the renowned fashion brand Abrantie the Gentleman, has called on Ghanaians to embrace indigenous fabrics and textiles as a source of cultural pride.
Speaking on the Tourism, Arts, and Culture segment of Zed in the Morning, Boamah highlighted the global appeal of African fashion and its growing recognition, particularly following the rise in international attention from films like Black Panther.
Boamah emphasized the importance of promoting Ghana’s unique fabrics on the global stage. He shared personal experiences of wearing traditional African prints abroad, describing the positive reactions he received from high-end fashion circles.
Reflecting on an encounter on London’s famous Savile Row, known for top-tier tailors, Boamah noted that his print trench coat caught the attention of multiple luxury brand shops, sparking admiration and curiosity.
“When I was wearing this print trench coat on Savile Row, I had about five or six different brand shops call me in just to talk to me about what I was wearing,” Boamah recounted. “They were amazed at how different and unique it was compared to the fabrics they typically use for their suits.”
He encouraged Ghanaians to view their local fabrics with the same admiration often reserved for international brands, such as Gucci, and recognize the value and uniqueness of African textiles. “When people see someone in a Gucci shoe, they are impressed, but when I wore a print jacket, they wanted to touch it and understand the material,” Boamah said.
He stressed that African fabrics are not just fashion statements but symbols of cultural identity and heritage. Wearing them proudly not only celebrates Ghanaian craftsmanship but also positions African fashion as a force on the international stage. With African fashion gaining momentum globally, Boamah believes this is the perfect time for Ghanaians to fully embrace their local fabrics, showcasing the richness and diversity of their culture through fashion. “Our textiles are a powerful tool for telling our story to the world,” he concluded.
