Exclusive interview with David Kusi Boye Doe "Redefining design through innovation and cultural expression".
David Boye-Doe is a Ghanaian fashion designer and the creative mind behind BOYEDOE, a contemporary menswear brand combining African heritage and modern elegance. Known for his meticulous craftsmanship and timeless designs, David's creations celebrate cultural identity while embracing global fashion trends.
His brand has gained international recognition for its refined tailoring, bold silhouettes and innovative use of fabrics. By combining local craftsmanship with a global design perspective, David has positioned BOYEDOE as a leading name in African luxury fashion. His collections resonate with discerning customers worldwide, redefining modern menswear through authenticity, craftsmanship and cultural storytelling.
On design and the creative process
1. The essence of teamwork:
Jombelek: Your team of four is the backbone of your creative process. How do you nurture collaboration while retaining your unique design vision?
David: To correct this, we have a team of 13 people, not 4; 7 full-time and 6 on contract. I believe that collaboration creates community and community builds legacy, and legacy is maintained by focusing on a unique thing to do and doing it so well that it becomes an identity, and that's what we've been able to do to preserve our uniqueness.
2. A young visionary:
Jombelek: You're already recognized as a design benchmark at such a young age. How does it feel to carry this title, and does it motivate you or put pressure on you?
David: As a designer, it's not a question of the fame I can gain, it's more a question of the responsibility I have as a designer to pass on my culture and the cultural heritage of my people and my continent to the rest of the world. I'm motivated by this great honor and responsibility.
3. African heritage in design:
Jombelek: Your African roots are evident in your work. How do you channel your culture into your designs while keeping them globally relevant?
David: I do this through our hand-woven fabric (smock/fugu) from northern Ghana, which is the "diamond in the crown". Sourced from ethical producers, it reflects our cultural heritage and represents, among other things, the spirit of our ancestors, luxury, prestige and royalty.
4. Cultural storytelling:
Jombelek: If your latest collection were a song or poem, what would it be like and what story would it tell?
David: It's a love letter to our artisans, our culture and the treasures of the earth. The collection is a focused, understated and sophisticated celebration of Africa's terracotta hues.
5. The Tranoï spotlight:
Jombelek: Being featured on the cover of Tranoï in September 2024 is a major milestone. How has this recognition shaped your career as a designer?
David: It's always a joy to receive such recognition. It's reassured us to keep going.
6. Textures and sustainability:
Jombelek: Your designs are known for their bold textures. How do you prioritize sustainability in your material sourcing and production process?
David: As a brand deeply rooted in sustainable realities, we create the majority of our garments around the themes of deconstruction and reconstruction ; We passionately believe in doing our part to reuse the seemingly endless mountain of discarded clothing that ends up in Africa. We believe that the only way to preserve the continent's heritage, creativity and future is to do our part as a brand to recycle as much second-hand clothing as possible.
On travel and inspiration
7. Travel as muse:
Jombelek: Your travels around the world often inspire your collections. Which destination has left the most lasting imprint on your work?
David: Paris, of course.
8. Cultural intersections:
Jombelek: What's the most surprising cultural influence you've incorporated into your designs, and how has it resonated with your audience?
David: As the quintessential African brand, passionate about the continent's heritage, creativity and future. Our most surprising cultural influence will be the Sankofa bird from mythical Ghana (which looks to the past to forge its way into the future), we have decided to be a socially responsible and environmentally friendly brand that uses fashion as a means of promoting sustainable development.that uses fashion as a means of envisioning a new Africa; an Africa of boldness, courage and beauty underscored by its culture, folklore, colors, textures and eclectic patterns. And nothing has resonated more with our community than this.
9. African cities as muses:
Jombelek: If you could dedicate an entire collection to an African city or country, which would you choose and why?
David: Kumasi in Ghana and Lagos in Nigeria.
Kumasi because of our rich culture and royalty.
Lagos because of the city's realism, authenticity and bravery.
10. Sustainable inspiration from abroad:
Jombelek: How do you incorporate lessons from global sustainable fashion practices into your brand identity?
David: I wouldn't say that we've integrated the sustainable practices of global or Western brands, but rather that we Africans have always lived sustainably.
Sustainability has been our way of life for centuries, from bespoke clothing to garments passed down from mother to daughter and father to son and older brother to younger brother.
Our brand identity is built by our community with local artisans.
On challenges and vision
11. Sustainability as a mission:
Jombelek: Sustainability is at the heart of your brand. How do you reconcile respect for the environment with the demands of haute couture?
David: For me, haute couture or luxury and sustainability are one and the same.
Luxury is relative. There is no luxury without sustainability. Haute couture garments are meant to be maintained, defended and held to a certain standard for a long time, and for that they are durable. So, at BOYEDOE, we've been able to blend Afro-luxury heritage with ethical elegance.
Jombelek: What challenges have you faced as a young African designer on the global fashion scene, and how have they shaped you?
David: Finances, lack of opportunities and perceptions.
It shaped me to be independent and inspired me to keep building.
13. Fashion as diplomacy:
Jombelek: Do you see your work as a way of bringing African culture and the global fashion industry together?
David: Yes, that's always been the case, I want my work and African brands to be referenced or recognized as part of the global fashion industry.
14. The Boye Doe signature:
Jombelek: What is the consistent element or message in your collections that defines the BOYEDOE aesthetic?
David: Our 4 elements
Sumsum (Spirit), Silhouette, Sophistication and Durability.
On personality and style
15. Personal style philosophy:
Jombelek: How does your personal style influence your collections, and is there a piece in your wardrobe that tells your own story?
David: My style, my personal pyramid, has influenced many of my collections.
My personal style pyramid is as follows:
TS = F1 + F2 + F3
Where TS = Timeless Style
F1 = Fit
F2 = Fabric
F3 = Function.
16. Dream collaboration:
Jombelek: If you could collaborate with any designer or institution, who would it be and what would you create together?
David: It would be Ye or Glenn Martins from Diesel
I think we'd create a collection that has a purpose.
17. Fashion for a purpose:
Jombelek: How do you see fashion not only as an art form, but also as a vehicle for change, be it social, environmental or cultural?
David: For me, fashion is more than a sewn dress.
A dress for me is more an exaltation of the female silhouette.
And the written word wraps itself around fashion, literally. The direct application of text to textiles enables fashion to be an instrument that conveys powerful thoughts, phrases and messages for social and environmental change.
18. A re-imagined future:
Jombelek: What is your vision of the future of African fashion, and where do you see your brand in this evolving landscape?
David: The luxury world today has its eyes on African fashion because of our heritage, culture and know-how like never before.
It's this originality that we, as a brand, will build on to become an integral part of this evolution.
David Boye-Doe embodies the essence of authentic, visionary design, blending cultural heritage and contemporary sophistication to create timeless pieces that transcend boundaries and leave a lasting impression.
You can discover his collection on his website: https: //boyedoe.com/
Interview by Johanne Elie Ernest Ngo Mbelek aka Jombelek
Paris, December 13, 2024
