Image Credit — Kilentar
It's always inspiring to see a brand that values culture and heritage, and Kilentar is one such brand that does just that. Michelle Adepoju's vision of combining various elements from different time periods and cultures across Africa to create stunning designs is truly unique. The brand's designs showcase modern femininity while also reflecting African heritage and traditions.

Kìléntár's commitment to translating culture into visuals is evident in its intricate patterns and colours, which are inspired by traditional textiles from West African countries like Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Côte d'Ivoire.

One of the most impressive aspects of Kìléntár's designs is how they carry significant cultural meaning. For instance, in some African cultures are believed to have specific powers or symbolise particular emotions. Kilentar has done an excellent job of incorporating these cultural concepts and ideas into its designs, creating unique pieces that tell a story.

Kìléntár focuses on capturing the feminine elegance and fierceness long rooted in African history by creating timeless designs.

The brand's commitment to reflecting forgotten histories through fashion is commendable. By showcasing the beauty of African fashion, Kìléntár celebrates African culture and heritage while also telling the story of generations of African people and their traditions. It's no surprise that the brand has received recognition from reputable publications like Elle, Cosmopolitan, CNN, The Cut, and Coveteur. This recognition is a testament to Kìléntár's ability to make an impact in the fashion industry while staying true to its core values.

A leading cultural brand

When it comes to incorporating culture into a brand's visual identity, Kìléntár's approach provides some great examples that other brands can learn from. Here are a few takeaways that brands can glean from Kilentar's approach:

First, it is essential to truly understand the culture from which you are drawing inspiration. By doing so, brands can ensure that they are respectful and accurate in their representation of the culture. Kìléntár's approach of drawing inspiration from various time periods and cultures across Africa shows how thorough research and understanding can help create a unique and authentic visual identity.

Another great example of the standard that Kìléntár's sets is collaborating with local artisans and designers. By working with other artisans, the brand is promoting artisanal excellence and preserving traditional craftsmanship. This approach not only supports local communities but also promotes sustainability, which is increasingly important in today's world.

Incorporating cultural elements with modern design elements is another way brands can create a unique and contemporary visual identity while still paying tribute to the culture's history and traditions. Kìléntár's use of symbolism, patterns, and colours from various African cultures in its designs is a great example of how to blend traditional and modern elements to create a cohesive visual identity.

Finally, visual storytelling is another great tool that brands can use to communicate cultural concepts and ideas through their visual identity. By creating a narrative that is rooted in cultural history and tradition, brands can create a deeper connection with their audience while promoting cultural understanding.

Kìléntár provides some excellent examples for brands looking to incorporate culture into their visual identity. Through research and understanding, collaboration with local artisans and designers, blending traditional and modern elements, and using visual storytelling, brands can create a unique and authentic visual identity that pays tribute to the culture's history and traditions while representing their values.

Editor pick: Iyun Top

KILENTAR

IWAKIRI can be defined as exploration in Yoruba. This collection explores different cultural celebrations in Africa, and we have used this as an inspiration to create beautiful pieces for the IWAKIRI collection. KÍLĖNTÁR used different techniques such as beading, prints, cowries, and Shibori to complete this collection.

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Case Studies

Kilentar: Translating Culture into Visuals

It's always inspiring to see a brand that values culture and heritage, and Kilentar is one such brand that does just that. Michelle Adepoju's vision of combining various elements from different time periods and cultures across Africa to create stunning designs is truly unique. The brand's designs showcase modern femininity while also reflecting African heritage and traditions.

By
Bibiana Obahor
June 1, 2023
Image Credit — Kilentar

Kìléntár's commitment to translating culture into visuals is evident in its intricate patterns and colours, which are inspired by traditional textiles from West African countries like Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Côte d'Ivoire.

One of the most impressive aspects of Kìléntár's designs is how they carry significant cultural meaning. For instance, in some African cultures are believed to have specific powers or symbolise particular emotions. Kilentar has done an excellent job of incorporating these cultural concepts and ideas into its designs, creating unique pieces that tell a story.

Kìléntár focuses on capturing the feminine elegance and fierceness long rooted in African history by creating timeless designs.

The brand's commitment to reflecting forgotten histories through fashion is commendable. By showcasing the beauty of African fashion, Kìléntár celebrates African culture and heritage while also telling the story of generations of African people and their traditions. It's no surprise that the brand has received recognition from reputable publications like Elle, Cosmopolitan, CNN, The Cut, and Coveteur. This recognition is a testament to Kìléntár's ability to make an impact in the fashion industry while staying true to its core values.

A leading cultural brand

When it comes to incorporating culture into a brand's visual identity, Kìléntár's approach provides some great examples that other brands can learn from. Here are a few takeaways that brands can glean from Kilentar's approach:

First, it is essential to truly understand the culture from which you are drawing inspiration. By doing so, brands can ensure that they are respectful and accurate in their representation of the culture. Kìléntár's approach of drawing inspiration from various time periods and cultures across Africa shows how thorough research and understanding can help create a unique and authentic visual identity.

Another great example of the standard that Kìléntár's sets is collaborating with local artisans and designers. By working with other artisans, the brand is promoting artisanal excellence and preserving traditional craftsmanship. This approach not only supports local communities but also promotes sustainability, which is increasingly important in today's world.

Incorporating cultural elements with modern design elements is another way brands can create a unique and contemporary visual identity while still paying tribute to the culture's history and traditions. Kìléntár's use of symbolism, patterns, and colours from various African cultures in its designs is a great example of how to blend traditional and modern elements to create a cohesive visual identity.

Finally, visual storytelling is another great tool that brands can use to communicate cultural concepts and ideas through their visual identity. By creating a narrative that is rooted in cultural history and tradition, brands can create a deeper connection with their audience while promoting cultural understanding.

Kìléntár provides some excellent examples for brands looking to incorporate culture into their visual identity. Through research and understanding, collaboration with local artisans and designers, blending traditional and modern elements, and using visual storytelling, brands can create a unique and authentic visual identity that pays tribute to the culture's history and traditions while representing their values.

Editor pick: Iyun Top

KILENTAR

IWAKIRI can be defined as exploration in Yoruba. This collection explores different cultural celebrations in Africa, and we have used this as an inspiration to create beautiful pieces for the IWAKIRI collection. KÍLĖNTÁR used different techniques such as beading, prints, cowries, and Shibori to complete this collection.

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Image Credit — Kilentar
It's always inspiring to see a brand that values culture and heritage, and Kilentar is one such brand that does just that. Michelle Adepoju's vision of combining various elements from different time periods and cultures across Africa to create stunning designs is truly unique. The brand's designs showcase modern femininity while also reflecting African heritage and traditions.

While the brands mentioned are not sponsored or paid advertisements, some of the products highlighted may earn us a commission.

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