Exclusive: Kente Gentlemen Unveils Dans mon jardin: Chapter I at Milan Fashion Week

Conceived as the first chapter of a two-part narrative, the collection from Kente Gentlemen — the Ivorian menswear brand Loua founded — unfolds as a deeply personal meditation on memory, nature, and craftsmanship. Presented entirely through film — a first for the designer at Milan — the digital format transforms the collection into a cinematic experience, allowing the garments to exist not as runway moments, but as a living, breathing story.

In conversation with us, Loua reflects on the challenge of translating fashion into a single, immersive medium. “The invitation to Milan challenged my team and me to create a film that was the fashion show itself,” he explains. “It allowed us to focus entirely on one medium, creating an intimate, minimalistic space where viewers can truly connect with the collection.”

The inspiration behind Dans mon jardin traces back to Loua’s childhood in Côte d’Ivoire, where gardens were an integral part of everyday life. “Gardens are everywhere — even on the smallest plot of space. As children, we played with flowers, colors, and greenery. Returning to those moments of innocence and joy as an adult felt very important,” he says. A particular flower — the Caladium, known for its delicate veins and vibrant tones — becomes a quiet symbol within the collection, echoing the playfulness and tenderness of those early memories.

The film follows a single character — the Kente Gentleman — moving through lush garden spaces, interacting with flowers and plants while wearing multiple looks from the collection. Every sound is recorded in nature, from birdsong to rustling leaves, creating an atmosphere deliberately removed from modern life. “It’s a place cut off from the rest of the world — no Wi-Fi, no lines of communication — just nature,” Loua notes. “I want audiences to see an African gentleman appreciating his garden while dressed as the true Kente Gentleman he is.”

At the heart of the collection lies Kente, the brand’s signature fabric and enduring point of departure. “It’s the main vehicle of my artistic expression,” Loua explains. “For Autumn–Winter, its thickness allows for structure, versatility, and depth.” In this chapter, the textile takes on darker hues and weightier forms, mirroring the introspective tone of the season.

Dans mon jardin: Chapter I also serves as a prelude to Chapter II, the Spring–Summer collection, which will be unveiled later this year at Lagos Fashion Week through a traditional runway presentation. Together, the two chapters explore the full expressive range of Kente — from heavier, structured silhouettes for winter to lighter, more playful fabrics inspired by the vibrant flora of Côte d’Ivoire and the wider region. “Chapter I is only the beginning,” Loua adds. “Chapter II will continue the story, exploring the playfulness of summer, light fabrics, and the full vibrancy of our heritage.”

“Milan Fashion Week represents a milestone for the brand,” Loua reflects. “It’s one of the gatekeepers of international menswear fashion. Being part of it is a nod to the work we do, our aesthetic, and our commitment to craftsmanship. This is an exclusive experience — one that I hope resonates deeply with those who watch it.”

At its core, Dans mon jardin: Chapter I is a study in blossoming, poetry, and visual storytelling. Intimate and reflective, it offers a rare glimpse into a world where elegance, craft, and nature converge. “I want the audience to feel the sentimentality behind the collection,” Loua says. “It’s about slow, deliberate moments — appreciating beauty, and rediscovering the childlike joy of being surrounded by flowers and greenery.”

For Kente Gentlemen, this digital premiere is more than a presentation. It is a statement of identity, a meditation on heritage, and the opening movement of a two-part story that will continue to unfold with Chapter II.

Related: Kente Gentlemen Designer Profile