There’s a particular kind of confidence that comes from wearing something made with intention—clothing that carries weight beyond its fabric. Kwasi Paul’s latest collection, “Imported Treasures,” understands this implicitly. Founded in 2020 by Samuel Boakye, a first-generation Ghanaian-American, the brand has built its reputation on creating menswear and womenswear that refuses to choose between tradition and modernity, instead finding power in the space between.
Named after Boakye’s parents, Kwasi and Paulina, the label has always centered the experience of living across cultures. But with this collection, Boakye pushes further, interrogating what we mean when we talk about cultural inheritance. “We’re reclaiming the word ‘imported’ to center the stories and traditions we bring with us,” he explains. Here, the real treasures aren’t objects—they’re language, rhythm, values, craft. The intangibles that shape identity.
Kwasi Paul’s process begins in Ghana, where the brand partners with local farmers, weavers, and artisans. Fibers are grown and handwoven into strip-woven panels, then crafted into cloth that honors both cultural legacy and economic sustainability. From there, the fabric moves to nearby tailoring teams who cut, shape, and sew each garment with precision. It’s a model that preserves traditional craftsmanship while supporting local communities—an approach that feels increasingly rare in contemporary fashion.
The collection’s signature suits showcase fugu and kente, fabrics known for their vibrant patterns and deep cultural resonance. But these aren’t costume pieces. Clean lines and confident proportions ground the designs in contemporary tailoring, while thoughtful details bridge heritage and modernity. Alongside the suits, Kwasi Paul introduces wool-linen sets designed for everyday wear—breathable, structured pieces that hold their shape through city life while offering effortless movement.
The Koto Suit Set commands attention in burgundy, its design inspired by the geometric patterns of Bolgatanga baskets. Hand-mapped lines translate traditional craft into tailoring, resulting in a wide-lapel design made entirely of fugu. (It’s also available in brown for those seeking versatility without sacrificing presence.) Each piece carries the energy of Ghanaian markets—bold, vibrant, alive.
The Bolga Suit Set takes a different approach. Offered in black, mustard, emerald, and plum, it pairs a mandarin-collar jacket with clean-lined trousers. A hidden side pleat reveals itself only in motion, a detail that speaks to the collection’s understated craftsmanship. Together, the pieces strike a balance between heritage and restraint, moving seamlessly from day to night with quiet power.
For the first time, Kwasi Paul introduces jewelry to its offerings. While details remain limited, the pieces appear designed to echo the collection’s broader focus on cultural storytelling, adding another dimension to how wearers can carry their heritage.
Boakye’s work has already earned institutional recognition—pieces from the brand appeared in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibit. But “Imported Treasures” feels less concerned with validation than with creating space. Space for those who navigate multiple cultural identities. Space for fashion that functions as both personal expression and cultural bridge.
“The magic happens in the in-between,” Boakye says. With this collection, he’s designed a wardrobe for that in-between—for those who understand that identity isn’t about choosing sides but about carrying multiple truths at once. Each garment invites wearers to move through the world with confidence, style, and a connection to roots that run deep, even when planted in new ground.
