Sika Suit
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 FASHION DESIGN / Sustainable Fashion | FASHION DESIGN / Textile: Traditional Print
Company Name:Kente Gentleman
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Aristide Loua
Project Location:Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Design Status:Commercialized
Website: View
Project Description:
The Sika Suit, is a beige and gold striped double-breasted suit jacket, meticulously crafted from handwoven cotton using Local Senoufo Fabric. Made in the heart of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, this suit jacket combines elegance with tradition. It features two shimmering gold-plated brass buttons and peaked lapels that enhance its luxurious appeal. The double vent adds to its sophisticated silhouette, making it ideal for formal occasions.
The Sika Suit, is a beige and gold striped double-breasted suit jacket, meticulously crafted from handwoven cotton using Local Senoufo Fabric. Made in the heart of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, this suit jacket combines elegance with tradition. It features two shimmering gold-plated brass buttons and peaked lapels that enhance its luxurious appeal. The double vent adds to its sophisticated silhouette, making it ideal for formal occasions.
Project Innovation / Specification:
The proposed double-breasted suit jacket is an innovative fusion of contemporary tailoring and the centuries-old Senoufo fabric technique from northern Côte d’Ivoire. Hand-woven by Senoufo artisans using locally grown cotton, the fabric embodies a deeply rooted cultural practice in which women spin the cotton threads and men weave them on traditional low looms. The resulting textile is distinguished by its rich texture, subtle irregularity, and symbolic woven patterns that reflect Senoufo identity and craftsmanship. Incorporating this fabric into a structured double-breasted jacket introduces a refined contrast between heritage materiality and modern sartorial form. The jacket is designed with a classic double-breasted silhouette, peaked lapels, and a tailored waist to provide structure while allowing the fabric’s natural character to remain visible and expressive. Due to the hand-woven nature of the textile, careful consideration is given to pattern placement, reinforcement, and lining to ensure durability, comfort, and longevity.
The proposed double-breasted suit jacket is an innovative fusion of contemporary tailoring and the centuries-old Senoufo fabric technique from northern Côte d’Ivoire. Hand-woven by Senoufo artisans using locally grown cotton, the fabric embodies a deeply rooted cultural practice in which women spin the cotton threads and men weave them on traditional low looms. The resulting textile is distinguished by its rich texture, subtle irregularity, and symbolic woven patterns that reflect Senoufo identity and craftsmanship. Incorporating this fabric into a structured double-breasted jacket introduces a refined contrast between heritage materiality and modern sartorial form. The jacket is designed with a classic double-breasted silhouette, peaked lapels, and a tailored waist to provide structure while allowing the fabric’s natural character to remain visible and expressive. Due to the hand-woven nature of the textile, careful consideration is given to pattern placement, reinforcement, and lining to ensure durability, comfort, and longevity.
Project Sustainability Approach:
This project emphasises ethical sourcing, artisan collaboration, and cultural respect, positioning the garment not merely as a suit jacket but as a wearable narrative of African textile innovation. The final piece represents slow fashion at its finest, celebrating craftsmanship, sustainability, and timeless design through a modern luxury lens.
This project emphasises ethical sourcing, artisan collaboration, and cultural respect, positioning the garment not merely as a suit jacket but as a wearable narrative of African textile innovation. The final piece represents slow fashion at its finest, celebrating craftsmanship, sustainability, and timeless design through a modern luxury lens.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Project:
The cotton is cultivated in northern Côte d’Ivoire. It's 100% Ivorian cotton and the weaving and manufacturing is done by local artisans.
The cotton is cultivated in northern Côte d’Ivoire. It's 100% Ivorian cotton and the weaving and manufacturing is done by local artisans.
Company Name:Kente Gentleman
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Aristide Loua
