The cost of yarns for Kente production is on the rise, making the hand-woven cloth pricey.

Patrons are likely to pay more for a range of designs of their favorite Kente.

Artisans and fashion designers are however specialising in reinventing the traditional cloth with a modern twist to endear patronage.

Artisans say the movement is expensive but will empower a wider range of styles.

“Most of my customers are outside the Ashanti region”

It’s fascinating to watch George Amoah in his antics of Kente weaving. He is experienced in the control of the handloom, as his hands and feet move so quickly.

He has been weaving Kente for 20 years, encountering minor challenges.

But five years now, the rising price of yarns has slowed his production.

“The yarns come in different colors, but they are scarce on the market. Only one trader in the Ashanti Region imports the yarns. He takes advantage and inflates the prices,” he revealed.

The spaces in George’s shop housing his weaving materials are empty.

He deliberates on going for a loan to fill the empty spaces and expand his business.

“A cone of soft cotton is sold at 6 cedis, hard cotton is 6 cedis 50 pesewas. Rayon is 7 cedis. Silk is hardly found on the market, “he explained.

This is the cost and number of yarns needed to complete a set of standard-size Kente cloth.

“Three packets of either cotton, rayon or silk are used for females. Five packets are used for men’s clothing. The quantity depends on the design an individual wants,” he said

Despite its rising cost, Kente outfits have become the norm with designers going all out with their A-Game.

These innovative outfits provide a channel for self-expression, enabling people to share their unique narratives through their attire.

Senanu Alomenu, CEO of Sena Kreashn said: “I’ve been able to go through previous and existing trends. There are a lot of innovations and techniques used in weaving kente. I study, design and use them for my apparel.”

On special occasions such as weddings, individuals confidently rock Kente suits, kaftans and gowns, unveiling new styles that pay homage to tradition while celebrating the wind of change.

“If a client requests for apparel, I am able to bring up a design to match the occasion,” he said.

Once reserved for African royalty, Kente cloth is becoming a familiar pattern in American culture.

Freelance Journalist with the BBC, Amma Prempeh traces and narrates the history of Kente in a documentary.

“You saw Virgil Abloh merge kente with a suit. We see kente on the covers of Vogue. Kente is being used in the West. The question is, do people know its origin? she quizzed.

In the documentary, scholars and traditional rulers discuss the cultural and political significance of this distinctive cloth “Kente”.

“I wanted us to reclaim Kente with all its culture, history and symbolism”

Original Kente will perhaps continue to be a luxurious fabric, as it projects a status of wealth and identity.