Turkish fashion brand Giovane Gentile targets regional expansion with entry to Kenyan market

Turkish menswear label Giovane Gentile has made its African debut with the opening of a new concept store at The Village Market in Gigiri, marking its entry into Kenya’s fast-growing luxury fashion scene.

The retailer says the Nairobi outlet is part of a wider strategy to tap into East Africa’s evolving high-end market and the capital’s rising profile as a continental fashion hub.

Founded in Istanbul in 2001, Giovane Gentile targets modern, style-driven consumers with collections anchored on three pillars: Business, Casual and Trend.

The brand’s Business and Casual lines are crafted using fabrics from renowned Italian mills such as Ermenegildo Zegna, Loro Piana, Cerruti, Vitale Barberis and Zignone.

These materials form the backbone of the brand’s Limited Edition line, which includes suits and jackets made from premium natural fibres like cashmere, wool and cotton, as well as handcrafted business shoes individually marked with unique serial numbers.

“Our new store at The Village Market provides our customers with collections and experiences that are comparable to what we offer in other major cities where we have a presence. Our collections are tailor made to fit young and upscale individuals who take keen interest in their image, whether they are in the boardroom or at a social event,” said Giovane Gentile Kenya Director Fehime Kafkas.

“We take immense pride in stocking universally recognized Italian fabric brands that are renowned for their unique style, comfort and masculine energy. These traits are aligned with what the modern male demographic is looking for as they build their own wardrobes and seek to look the part, whatever the occasion may be.”

The launch event drew several notable guests, including brand owner Cemal Şenoğlu, Dr. Mattress Founder and Managing Director Adnan Merdin, Bosphorus Lounge Director Cemal Ulman, former Turkish MP and former Deputy Minister of Health Agah Kafkas, and Turkish Defence Attaché Seher Erkol Odabas.

Turkish Ambassador to Kenya Subutay Yüksel praised the brand’s craftsmanship, noting that the Giovane Gentile outfit he wore had lasted over a decade.

He highlighted that the piece was from 15 years ago and “had stood the test of time still being as good as new, a true testament to the quality of the brand.”

Positioning itself around the philosophy of “affordable luxury,” the company says it aims to offer refined yet accessible menswear while integrating new technologies suited to today’s global market demands.

The Village Market store becomes the latest in a network of 65 Giovane Gentile concept outlets worldwide and 23 in Turkey.

The brand’s international footprint spans the United States, Italy, New Zealand, Russia, the UAE, Germany, South Africa, Ukraine, Iran and Kazakhstan.