Fabrics Speak to Me & I Tell Their Story

I have loved fabrics since my great grandmother-Nana Boatemma explained to me as we sat under the palm trees on a musky evening in my childhood home in Kumasi, Ghana that each cloth has a voice and fabrics speak. She explained that the designers of the traditional fabric be it the royal Kente cloth or the basic cotton wax cloth imprinted hidden meanings in their designs and that a woman must carefully inspect the pattern prior to wearing it as not to cause insult or shame to those around her.

Only a woman who has been schooled at the foot of the elders will choose her cloth wisely and rely on the wisdom, patience and insight they have taught her to understand the strength of the message she is sending as she wraps herself in the native garments.

Great grandma explained that one may be enticed by a bold print that depicts two she – elephants with trunks entwined raised high. But the design is signaling to us that there is a war in the house and the elephants are fighting. And we all understand that when the elephants fight it is the ground below that is trampled. No my daughter Nana Boataemma advised it is best to choose the fabric that shows the elephants side by side grazing quietly –this shows that there is harmony in the home.

I would sit at the market place and giggle uncontrollably as my Nana clucked deeply when brightly dressed women passed her kiosque enrobed in prints that spoke so telling of their passions for another, their jealousies and secret ambitions . This was my introduction to the African soap opera with its dark allies, hidden rooms and unspoken messages.

To this day I gingerly study each print and touch each fabric to understand the message its craftsman was communicating to us. Each pattern I choose is designed to empower and embolden its wearer. You will discover that Regal Clothes designs and fabrics will whisper to you of your beauty, courage and compassion that is within.

Akwaaba-Thank you and Welcome
Akos Regal