Born out of a Brooklyn brownstone sewing class in the 60s, MCKIRT TEXTILES, NY'S history is rooted in passion and tradition. In 1969, a young MC KIRT took his first steps into the fashion world following the footsteps of his mother and older sister. Inspired by his mother's teachings which embodies dedication, loyalty, and innovation, he also started to applied the different Bajan textiles design traditions of Barbados. With techniques like batik with vibrant colors that reflect the natural beauty of the Caribbean, in hues of blue, green, orange, and red and with specialised stitching MC KIRT accessories are created with unique designs for people who appreciate impeccable style and thoughtful craftsmanship.
At MCKIRT.COM, we cherish our history of blending Caribbean techniques and Nubian Yarns with modern design to create exceptional pieces for those who prefer quality materials and unique designs. From Men's Formal Ties to The Muriel Line, our silk bow ties and African accents like Kente traditional neck ties reflect our passion for working with imported fine fabrics from West Africa and China to craft one-of-a-kind pieces that exude elegance and cultural richness.
Experience our style evolution captured ir our collections of Kente's traditional neck ties - 'Kente by Kirton', Afro-centric neckwear, pouches, and women's scarves crafted from Kente and Ashoke cloth. Elevate your look with Tie-a Nu Knot's exquisite designs that blend tradition with modern flair, perfect for people who appreciate great design and dressing well.
MC KIRT draws inspiration from his mother, the remarkable renaissance woman who embodied creativity, dedication and tenderness. As a nurse, homemaker, and a skilled seamstress who contributed to the war effort by crafting parachutes and uniforms, Muriel's passion for design shone through in every challenge she faced in life. Her legacy lives on through her son, MC Kirt, as he continues to celebrate her influence on our designs.
MC Kirt was another student in his mother's sewing class. His passion for design got ignited and the rest is history.
African-American Navy Yard Workers turning miles of silk into parachutes for our armed forces, May 1942. Office of War Information Photograph. Courtesy of the Library of Congress. (2016/05/12).
Kente cloth is a hand-woven, vibrantly colored textile originating from the Asante (Ashanti) Kingdom in Ghana, West Africa, made from narrow strips of silk or cotton sewn together. Each pattern and color has a deep cultural significance, conveying messages, proverbs, and historical events. Historically worn by royalty and the wealthy, it is now a recognizable symbol of African heritage and pride, worn to commemorate special occasions and celebrate cultural traditions across the African diaspora.
Kente cloth originated in Ghana with the Asante people, possibly inspired by a spider's web, and initially used raffia fibers before incorporating imported silk and cotton in the 18th century to create its iconic patterns and royal symbolism. The word "Kente" refers to the "basket" or woven design of the fabric, which is rich in symbolic meaning through its colors and patterns.While the Asante reserved it for royalty, the Ewe people also developed their own traditions, and today Kente is a symbol of Ghanaian and African identity worldwide.
Barbados was a major hub of the transatlantic slave trade, where over 327,000 enslaved West Africans were transported between 1627 and 1807. The majority of these enslaved people were taken from West African regions with strong textile traditions, such as Ghana, the home of Kente cloth.
Enslaved Africans, including those from the Akan people who originated Kente, carried their cultural knowledge and traditions with them to the Caribbean. In many Caribbean societies, descendants of enslaved people have worn garments similar to Kente, such as the Pangi cloth of the Surinamese Maroon people.
Across the diaspora, including in Barbados, Kente is worn during important events like graduations, Independence Day celebrations, and other cultural festivities. For many, wearing Kente is a way to honor the sacrifices of their ancestors and connect with their African roots, which were deliberately severed by slavery.
