Fort Mose 1738 is a groundbreaking fashion label that merges vibrant African textiles with modern American design. Founded by Maurice Gattis, the collection celebrates heritage and sustainability, offering unique, handcrafted pieces made in Ghana. This line invites everyone to express their identity through stunning, culturally rich fashion.
The influence of African fashion and style is undeniable, shaping design trends worldwide. The vibrant colors and captivating prints inspire individuals to experiment and showcase their unique personalities and moods for any occasion. Even celebrities have embraced African-inspired fashion, from Gwen Stefani incorporating the look in her music videos to icons like Rihanna and Beyoncé confidently rocking colorful prints from Africa.
The playful patterns of abstracted flora and fauna, along with the luxurious textures of hand-woven silk and cotton found in Kente cloth, traditionally worn by African royalty, are making their way into mainstream fashion. This trend can be seen on the streets of New York City, at Paris fashion shows, and even on the prestigious red carpet at The Met Gala.
Designed by Maurice Gattis, esteemed professor of social work at Virginia Commonwealth University, the Fort Mose 1738 fashion line seamlessly combines African textiles with American design sensibilities. Made in Ghana, each piece in this stunning collection is carefully crafted to suit every occasion, from daytime outings to evening events, with prices ranging from $50 to $650. The collection is produced sustainably and ethically in Accra, Ghana, a city recognized by The New York Times as a hub of fashion and innovation.
Inspiration and roots
Inspired by the first black community in America located in the historic Fort Mose in St. Augustine, Florida, the Fort Mose 1738 collection was brought to life through a serendipitous encounter in Ghana that resulted in a partnership with one of Accra’s top couturiers. Embracing the Ghanaian tradition of handcrafted clothing, Gattis named his label after Fort Mose 1738 as a tribute to the site’s historic significance, discovered during a memorable visit.
Fort Mose 1738 will be featured at a pop-up event at the prestigious St. Augustine Art Association in St. Augustine, Florida, from February 7th through March 7th. For more information, please visit www.staaa.org, or you may browse the collection online at the official brand website www.fortmose1738.com.
This exclusive pop-up event presents a unique opportunity to purchase pieces from the collection in person. Orders placed online are custom-made and may take up to four weeks for delivery. Don’t miss this chance to acquire your own piece of Fort Mose 1738’s exquisite designs.
For Gattis designing the collections for the brand he founded gives him “a chance to indulge a lifelong passion for colors and textures.” His aesthetic is self-taught, not a product of elite design schools. His goal is to invite people who want to express their heritage in a relevant, contemporary way to choose Fort Mose 1738 as a made-in-Africa collection with an American connection.
