Malinke

MALINKE COLLECTION

The first ever Adei collection released features pieces of exclusive apparel that represented urban African cultures with some unique modern day values. Jonathan Coach, who is behind the inspiration of the collection discusses how it came to be.

Malinke tackles the historical contents and urban environments simultaneously. Launching the collection consisted of t-shirts, sweatpants, and some accessories that explicity described the ancient Kingdom of Kush and the Mali Empire.

Briefly, Africa was becoming very wealthy and their economy was booming. It generated much attention from other countries. Malinke was envisioned to be the place of opportunity; to develop business relationships, find a spouse, luxurious lifestyles, etc. 

"When designing the collection I aimed at focusing the luxurious aspects, while pertaining to the perspective of being humble, unique, and welcomed. I saw Africa as a kingdom consisted of various cultures that were slept on. Also, in high school I remember listening to a Christian album by Hillsong called 'The Kingdom is Yours' and it clicked cause I wanted people to experience that as well. To be part of a big community."

"I want to express the importance of how African culture played a role back then and I felt like it should be exposed more to the public."

Coming from no experience in the fashion industry whatsoever, there were practically little resources available at his current knowledge. 

"It was difficult to start because I wanted Adei to be a luxury brand, but I also wanted it to be streetwear. It's something that I both liked so my goal is to have both [...] I tested different fabrics from local suppliers but it wasn't something that felt genuine. It needed that 'feel'". 

The Malinke Collection consists of 100% Supima cotton straight from California. "I chose this fabric cause I wanted people to feel "Gucci", and I felt that the kingdom deserves something authentic and sacred, even though it's all around us."