We are a fashion brand like no other, because we are not just about fashion. We are about fashion in the context of the revered Kingdom of Dahomey, now Benin Republic, its people, and how they shaped the history of our world. Our journey up to this point has not been linear.
As we celebrate our 5th anniversary this summer, we look back at what inspired us to land our first pair of shorts in 2018 - not just an alternative to monochromatic shorts, but a different take on shorts altogether: their cut, their color, their patterns, their function; but who cares?!
Our self taught designer, Jean-Patrice Lecreateur did. Originally from Benin Republic, an AI professional by day, and an artist at heart, JP started Bolddies as a conduit to bring together his varied interests in fashion design, history and story telling, diversity, ecology and social responsibility, along with e-commerce and AI ethics - all core foundations of the brand.
And specifically why a black panther? you probably already know if you've visited our website lately.
The legend has it that the dynasty which founded the kingdom of Dahomey - modern Benin Republic and birth place of Bolddies - started in an unforeseen turn of events.
A revered warrior from the south of Benin Republic used his innate magic powers to transform into a panther so he could escape the manhunt which ensued his transgression of getting intimate with a princess from a neighboring kingdom.
The infant who was born in the aftermath of those events was named Agasu, and became the first child of the lineage which went on to found the kingdom of Dahomey. He is said to have inherited and passed on his father's powers onwards.
There is much to discover; buckle up!
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