Maison Kanty's showcases Ivorian craftsmanship in its collections
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on RFI
Illustrative image · Rizky Rafael · Pexels · Licence PexelsIvorian brand Maison Kanty's, founded in 2019 by William Mackenzie and Thierry Aguy, combines craftsmanship, innovative materials and cultural heritage in its creations. Awarded this year at Africa Fashion Up, the fashion house will take part in Afrik Fashion Week in Abidjan from 11 to 15 November, according to RFI.
Founded in 2019 by William Mackenzie and Thierry Aguy, Maison Kanty's builds its collections around cotton, raffia and woven pagnes, reworked into contemporary silhouettes. The Ivorian brand has notably transformed textiles traditionally reserved for ceremonies into everyday clothing, according to William Mackenzie, co-founder and artistic director of the fashion house, cited by RFI.
Maison Kanty's eco-friendly approach was recognised this year with an award at Africa Fashion Up. The brand will also take part in Afrik Fashion Week in Abidjan, scheduled for 11 to 15 November, according to RFI.
William Mackenzie, who grew up in Treichville, a commune of Abidjan, learned sewing from his grandmother, mother and stepmother before training himself. After studying marketing and spending several years in the hotel industry, he turned to fashion design, reports RFI.
Initially focused on menswear, Maison Kanty's developed a womenswear collection after a presentation at a Fashion Week in Abidjan, where female customers adopted the designs and requested new creations. With his partner Thierry Aguy, a childhood friend and co-founder, William Mackenzie starts with a story, then chooses the material before designing the garment, he explains to RFI.
