The Kente Coat

By Christie Brown

With the Kente Coat, Christie Brown designer Aisha Ayensu has added thoughtful, meticulous touches to a standard coat design, resulting in an elevated collectors’ piece that doesn’t sacrifice its core wearability. The fabric is handwoven in Ghana from a cotton and silk-blend: a subtle diagonal pattern in the weave lightens the overall purple hue with brown and light blue glimmers, giving the coat its rich sense of depth. The double-breasted fastening emphasizes a flattering curved waist and flared knee-length hem. Although this coat is an expert example of tailoring, it’s the light-hearted design details that truly set it apart. Feminine cutouts on the bodice allow you to have a little fun with layering: let a strong complementary color peak out one day and a graphic print the next. The coat’s upper back and arms are punctuated with playful paisley patches, adding a finishing touch of individuality. Made to order, this design takes three weeks to produce, a testament to the quality and attention to detail in every stitch. 

Christie Brown

Kente Coat

$600

The Houndstooth & Barrydale Stripe Trench Coat

by Viviers
 

At a glance, this Viviers’ trench may seem like a relatively standard belted check coat, but it’s so much more. The multiple dimensions of print and pattern make it a must-have for any collector’s wardrobe. Take a closer look at the check lines, and you’ll see they are, in fact, strips of houndstooth—a print within a print. The variegated stripes on the lapel also cover the back of the coat and are handwoven by artisans in Barrydale, South Africa. The sashiko stitch, a Japanese embroidery technique using tiny running stitches, serves as the collection’s signature motif, outlining the coat’s belt and collar. This design is a luxurious top layer that lightens your winter wardrobe staples with its rich, creamy base tone. The cotton and wool blend is exactly what you need to stay cozy and comfortable through spring. 

Viviers

Houndstooth & Barrydale Stripe Trench Coat

$1,120

The De-Trench Coat

by NKWO
  

Nigerian label NKWO’s De-Trench coat makes a strong visual statement in the name of sustainability. It’s clearly made from pre-loved denim, deconstructing and reconstructing its design elements into something entirely new. Each upcycled element serves a specific purpose in the new design: pockets remain pockets, waistbands become belts, and the placement of light versus dark denim tones emphasize the coat’s cocoon-cut construction. This coat marks a moment in time for fashion lovers: the pandemic-fueled turning point in the industry where ideas about upcycling and waste reduction began to move from the periphery into a mainstream mindset adopted by companies and consumers alike. The coat embodies this optimistic forward-thinking idea of style, making it an essential purchase for your collection. 

Nkwo

De-Trench Coat

$350

The Pleated Coat Dress

by Lisa Folawiyo
 

Your coat collection is incomplete without a lighter option for spring. Nigerian designer Lisa Folawiyo’s pleated style combines jacket and dress designs into the perfect eye-catching spring top layer. Made from luxurious silk organza and lined in cotton, the unexpected construction, and clashing prints create a highly photogenic look. The abstract dancing women print on the dress portion brings a welcome optimism, while the hand-sewn crystal-embellished collar adds an extra layer of depth to the design. Waist-down pleats and the back panel cutout allow for a sense of movement that makes the piece come alive. You have the option to add additional prints with your base layers or to pair back the look with monotone separates that let the coat take its rightful place, center stage. 

Lisa Folawiyo

Pleated Coat Dress

$1,080