Classy Kente styles for ladies are pretty much a common fashion trend these days both on the African continent and much further beyond.
The kente fabric is associated with Ghanaian royalty, as they were the first to flaunt their wealth by dressing in kente.
However, the cloth is now found throughout the world, not just in Africa. The key to this trend is that any category of African fashion styles for men, women, and even couples can be sewn using Kente cloth.
Whether it’s a mermaid gown, palazzo, skirt and blouse, senator, or agbada. These styles are also appropriate for any kind of event, including church services, informal get-togethers, conventional or white weddings, engagement ceremonies, and wedding anniversaries.
Let’s go down memory lane to the actual origin of this iconic fabric and how it evolved into the global fashion masterpiece it is today.
Kente refers to a Ghanaian textile, made of handwoven cloth, strips of silk and cotton. Historically the fabric was worn in a toga-like fashion by royalty among the Akan. It originated from Bonwire in the Ashanti region of Ghana.
In modern day Ghana, the wearing of kente cloth has become widespread to commemorate special occasions, with highly sought kente brands led by master weavers in demand. Kente is also worn in parts of Togo and Ivory Coast by the Akan people there.
Due to the popularity of kente cloth patterns, production of mass-produced prints with the kente patterns have become popular throughout West Africa, and by extension the whole of Africa. Globally, the print is used in the design of academic stoles in graduation ceremonies.
Hidden Meanings & Symbols of the Kente colours
Black: maturation, intensified spiritual energy
Blue: peacefulness, harmony and loveGreen: vegetation, planting, harvesting, growth, spiritual renewal
Gold: royalty, wealth, high status, glory, spiritual purity
Grey: healing and cleansing rituals; associated with ash
Maroon: the color of mother earth; associated with healing
Pink: associated with the female essence of life; a mild, gentle aspect of redPurple: associated with feminine aspects of life; usually worn by women
Red: political and spiritual moods; bloodshed; sacrificial rites and death.Silver: serenity, purity, joy; associated with the moon
White: purification, sanctification rites and festive occasions
Yellow: preciousness, royalty, wealth, fertility, beauty
Well, there you have it on classy Kente styles for ladies! Next time you see a Ghanaian lady dressed in kente you may tell what she’s depicting by merely understanding the colours she’s wearing.
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