In December 2024, Ghana’s kente cloth was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a historic milestone that has sparked a renaissance in both local and global fashion. Once reserved for royalty and sacred rites, kente has evolved into a dynamic symbol of cultural pride, creative innovation, and diasporic identity.

🧵 A Legacy Woven in Symbolism

Originating from the Asante and Ewe communities, kente is handwoven from silk, cotton, or rayon using horizontal looms. Each strip tells a story, its colours and patterns symbolizing values like unity, leadership, fertility, and resilience. Traditionally worn during festivals, enstoolments, and funerals, kente has long served as a visual language of Ghanaian identity.

UNESCO’s recognition affirms not only the craftsmanship but also the cultural depth of kente. According to Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the listing “reinforces Ghana’s position as a leader in cultural heritage preservation”.

🌍 From Bonwire to Brooklyn: A Global Fashion Force

The UNESCO milestone has catalyzed a surge in modern kente designs, from tailored co-ords and streetwear to accessories like sneakers, headwraps, and handbags. Ghanaian designers such as Christie Brown, Larry Jay, and Studio 189 are reimagining kente for contemporary audiences, blending traditional motifs with minimalist cuts and sustainable fabrics.

Diaspora creatives are also amplifying the trend. In the U.S., kente has become a staple at graduations, weddings, and political events. Beyoncé’s Black Is King and the Congressional Black Caucus’s kente stoles are just two high-profile examples of how the fabric has become a global symbol of Black excellence and solidarity.

👗 Gen Z and the Rise of Kente Streetwear

Among Ghana’s Gen Z, kente is no longer confined to formal occasions. Young designers are remixing it into bomber jackets, joggers, bucket hats, and even sneakers. African print co-ords, matching sets made from kente or Ankara, are now a go-to for fashion-forward youth seeking to blend heritage with hype.

This shift reflects a broader movement toward Afro-urban identity, where tradition meets self-expression. As Pulse Ghana notes, “Kente streetwear exemplifies a striking blend of cultural pride and contemporary flair”.

👜 Accessories with Meaning

Kente’s versatility extends beyond garments. Artisans are crafting statement accessories, from beaded jewellery and bow ties to clutches and sandals, that allow wearers to incorporate heritage into everyday style. These pieces are especially popular among diaspora communities seeking to reconnect with their roots.

🧶 Safeguarding the Craft

While the global boom is welcome, cultural custodians are urging balance. Master weavers in Bonwire and Agotime emphasize the need to protect the authenticity of handwoven kente amid the rising demand for printed imitations. UNESCO’s listing includes commitments to education, apprenticeships, and community-led preservation.

🔮 What’s Next?

With its newfound global spotlight, kente is poised to become not just a fashion statement, but a cultural export that drives tourism, creative economies, and national pride. As Amma Prempeh, producer of The Importance of Kente to Ghanaians and Black Africans, puts it: “Kente is no longer just a cloth, it’s a global language of identity, resistance, and celebration”.