Kente is the new champagne! Ghana’s iconic cloth now symbol of authentic African cool

For generations, the global language of luxury has been spoken with a distinctly European accent. The celebratory pop of a champagne cork, the weight of a Swiss timepiece, the whisper of an Italian leather sole - these have been the universal signs that you have arrived.

But now, after generations of one story dominating the world of luxury, a shift is happening, and a different kind of style is being woven in Ghana.

The ultimate symbol of authentic cool is no longer just from the vineyards of Europe, but from the vibrant heart of West Africa, thanks to a groundbreaking move to protect its iconic Kente cloth.

Welcome to the era of heritage with a certificate of authenticity.

The Power of a Protected Name

Luxury has always protected its origins. Think about what makes champagne, well, champagne. It is not just sparkling wine. The name is a legally guarded fortress.

To be called 'champagne', the grapes must come from a specific region in France and be processed using centuries-old methods. But this principle extends far beyond bubbles.

In Italy, Barolo wine isn't just any red; it is a Denominazione d'Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) product with controlled and guaranteed production.

That Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese you grate over pasta must come from specific provinces. These protections preserve story, standard and cultural identity.

Ghana has now placed Kente cloth firmly in this elite, legally protected league.

In September 2025, Ghana officially granted Kente Geographical Indication (GI) status, recognising that only cloth handwoven in certified communities such as Bonwire, Adanwomase, Agotime Kpetoe and Agbozume using traditional weaving techniques may legally bear the name Kente.

Authentic Kente is no longer just a beautiful striped fabric; it is a legally defined cultural asset tied to a specific place, people and technique.

To reinforce authenticity, Ghana is introducing traceable labels and QR-code verification, allowing buyers everywhere to confirm the origin of each cloth.

Any mass-produced, machine-printed imitation can no longer be marketed as Kente.

The New Social Currency

Modern status has evolved. It is no longer just about the price tag. It is about story, provenance and consciousness. Wearing authentic Kente is now a multi-layered statement of cool.

• The Intelligence Flex

It shows you are in the know.

You understand that the nkyinkyim pattern symbolises adaptability and the twists and turns of life's journey, and that sika futoro represents gold dust and prosperity. You are not just wearing a pattern; you are wearing a profound language and philosophy.

• The Ethical Flex

In a world saturated with fast fashion, your choice to invest in certified Kente directly supports the Ghanaian weavers, the true guardians of this centuries-old craft.

It is a luxury you can feel good about, a purchase that empowers a community and preserves a heritage rather than exploiting it.

• The Exclusivity Flex

With protection comes rarity and verifiable quality.

A certified piece of Kente is not something you can pick up at any high-street retailer. It is a unique piece of wearable art, carrying the weight of history and the invisible signature of its maker.

African Designers Are Leading Global Fashion’s Future

Heritage is meeting high fashion on the global stage.

This move to protect Kente is not happening in a vacuum. It is the legal bedrock for a creative renaissance already in full swing across the continent.

Just as Kente gains its rightful place among the world's protected luxuries, the designers who champion such heritage are also being globally anointed.

Look no further than the announcement of the BoF 500 Class of 2025, which features Kenyan design star Katungulu Mwendwa.

Her work, celebrated for its modernist take on traditional East African forms and textiles, signals a crucial parallel trend. The world is finally ready to recognise African designers as global creative leaders.

Mwendwa’s recognition, alongside the protection of Kente, creates a powerful feedback loop. The legal protection elevates the raw material of heritage, while designers like her elevate it into the future of global fashion.

Mwendwa’s recognition, together with that of her fellow African designers rising in tandem with the protection of Kente, reveals a new truth. African heritage is no longer the mood board look of the season. It is the next chapter of global luxury.

No More "African Print” But Knowing What You Wear

Vague labelling erases identity. That catch-all term “African print” is the fashion equivalent of pointing at a wine list and saying “I will have a red”.

Instead, we step into a world of delicious specificity. We see style icons celebrated for their stunning Kente gown, their elegant Bògòlanfini jacket, or their vibrant Kitenge two-piece. We appreciate the coastal cool of a Kikoy wrap from Kenya, the intricate geometry of Shweshwe from Southern Africa, the royal indigo of Adire from Nigeria, and the breathtaking embroidery of Bazin from West Africa.

This is the real power of protection and recognition. It forces the world to move beyond a lazy stereotype and finally learn the names. It is not just fashion. It is cultural literacy made visible.

The New Rules of Engagement

And it’s good to see luxury being rewritten. The old standards of a gleaming Swiss timepiece or the subtle elegance of an Italian leather sole no longer hold the monopoly on arrival.

Kente has claimed its rightful place, standing as a recognised signifier of status, identity and cultural confidence.

So, the next time you’re at a gallery opening or a chic rooftop party and you see someone radiating an undeniable aura of cool, take a closer look. You'll notice the value isn't announced by a flash of gold or the cut of an expensive shoe. It will be the vibrant, story-rich folds of a Kente.

And the question won't be, "Who are you wearing?" but, with a knowing nod of respect:  "Is that an authentic Kente you’re wearing?"

Because authenticity is and has always been the truest status symbol of luxury.