One of the biggest names in world fashion spent the weekend in Kumasi. French luxury designer Christian Louboutin, famous for his red-soled shoes, attended the Akwasidae Festival at Manhyia Palace and later held private talks with Lady Julia Osei Tutu, the wife of the Asantehene, according to reports by YEN.com.gh, Adom Online and GBC.
YEN.com.gh reports that Louboutin, 63, attended the seventh Akwasidae of the year at Manhyia Palace on Sunday, October 11, 2026. He paid homage to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, praised the cultural heritage of the Asante Kingdom and sought the King's blessings for his work and international projects.
Addressing the Asantehene, the designer said: "I am very honoured to be here. It is my first day here, and I am truly inspired," according to YEN.com.gh.
On Monday, October 12, Louboutin visited Lady Julia Osei Tutu at her private residence for closed-door talks. GBC reports that the discussions centred on a possible Christian Louboutin outlet in Kumasi, a move it says could strengthen the city's profile as a destination for luxury fashion and lifestyle brands.
No agreement, opening date or formal announcement has been made. YEN.com.gh describes the talks as preliminary.
The designer was accompanied by Emmanuella Mensah, Head of Communications and VIPs at Christian Louboutin, as well as Ebony Tagoe, founder and CEO of Studio Dream, and Tony Tagoe, the company's Director of Operations, according to GBC.
Lady Julia drew attention online for speaking fluent French with the designer, YEN.com.gh reports. Footage shared on Instagram by Opemsuo Radio also showed her receiving a pair of Christian Louboutin block heels, which fans quickly praised in the comments.
Christian Louboutin founded his Paris-based label in the early 1990s and became one of the world's best-known shoe designers. His trademark red lacquered soles have made his heels instantly recognisable on red carpets, and they are worn by celebrities around the world. The brand has since expanded into men's shoes, handbags and beauty products.
Kumasi, the historic capital of the Asante Kingdom, is known as a centre of kente weaving, adinkra printing, woodcarving and goldsmithing. Craft villages around the city, such as Bonwire for kente and Ntonso for adinkra, attract visitors interested in traditional design, giving a fashion figure like Louboutin plenty to explore beyond the palace.
A Louboutin store in Kumasi would be unusual: luxury brands in Ghana have so far concentrated mainly on Accra, where most high-end malls and international shoppers are found. An outlet in the Ashanti capital would be a bold bet on the city's growing middle class and its many visitors from the diaspora.
Akwasidae is a sacred Asante festival held every six weeks, based on the traditional 42-day Akan calendar. On Akwasidae, the Asantehene receives homage from chiefs and the public at Manhyia Palace, and the ancestors are honoured. The ceremony is known for its drumming, colourful kente cloth, umbrellas and royal regalia, and it regularly attracts international visitors.
Each year also has a larger celebration, Akwasidae Kese, which brings together chiefs and guests from across the kingdom and the diaspora.
Kumasi has a long tradition of fashion and craftsmanship, from kente and adinkra to goldsmithing. A partnership with an international luxury brand could open new links between that heritage and the global fashion market, as well as support tourism in the city.
The visit also highlights the growing interest of global brands in Ghana's cultural institutions. In recent years, artists, designers and business leaders from abroad have used visits to Manhyia to build relationships with the Asante Kingdom and to explore projects in the region.
For now, Louboutin fans in Kumasi will have to wait to see whether the talks lead to a store. Talk Talk will follow any announcement from Manhyia or the brand.
