Maurice Gattis Brings African Textiles to the Forefront of Fashion

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

Maurice Gattis is redefining the landscape of fashion, blending vibrant African textiles with modern American sensibilities in a way that is both striking and deeply meaningful. As the founder and designer behind Fort Mose 1738, a brand that merges handwoven Ghanaian fabrics with contemporary silhouettes, Maurice has created a line that celebrates heritage while making a bold statement in today’s fashion world.

Born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, Maurice’s journey to fashion was anything but conventional. A professor of social work at Virginia Commonwealth University, he has dedicated much of his career to researching health disparities and homelessness. His academic work has taken him around the world—from Toronto to Cape Town—where he has studied systemic issues affecting marginalized communities. But despite his deep commitment to social change, Maurice found himself drawn to the world of design in an unexpected way.

His artistic spirit was evident from a young age. “I started playing the trumpet when I was five, performing in school choirs, taking dance classes—ballet, jazz, modern—so creativity has always been a part of me,” Maurice shares. His love for bold fashion also surfaced early, particularly in his choice of a pink linen suit with a patterned purple shirt for Easter Sunday as a child, a memory that still stands out to him today.

The inspiration for Fort Mose 1738 was sparked during a visit to Ghana, where Maurice had an encounter that would change the course of his creative path. A taxi driver, who became his trusted guide, introduced him to his wife, a talented seamstress. Maurice had a few custom pieces made but didn’t think much of it—until months later, when the driver suggested they go into business together. “At first, he wanted to sell ginger,” Maurice recalls with a laugh. “But when he brought up clothing, I thought, ‘Now that’s something I could get behind.’”

Thus began the Fort Mose 1738 journey. Named after the first free Black settlement in America, located in St. Augustine, Florida, the brand carries a historical and cultural weight that makes each piece more than just fashion—it’s a story woven into fabric. “Fort Mose is an incredible part of American history that’s often overlooked,” Maurice explains. “The people who lived there were formerly enslaved West Africans who sought refuge and built a thriving community. The connection between their story and the textiles of Ghana felt powerful to me.”

Fort Mose 1738’s designs incorporate vibrant Kente cloth, traditionally worn by Ghanaian royalty, as well as ethically sourced cotton textiles that highlight the craftsmanship of West African artisans. The result is a collection that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, offering structured suits, bold-patterned shirts, and statement-making separates that turn heads whether worn in a boardroom or at a red-carpet event. “When people put on Fort Mose, I see a transformation,” Maurice says. “They feel more confident, more vibrant, more alive.”

The brand has quickly gained traction, earning international recognition with features in French and Italian fashion magazines, a spotlight in The Source, and a major showing at Florida Men’s Fashion Week in Miami. Maurice has also dressed high-profile figures like two-time Emmy-nominated makeup artist Rodney Jon and international DJ Cal, with more collaborations on the horizon. “We’re just getting started,” he teases.

Beyond the fashion, Maurice is committed to sustainable, ethical production. Each piece is handcrafted in Ghana, providing opportunities for local artisans while ensuring the authenticity of the materials and designs. His goal is not just to create beautiful clothing but to honor the skilled hands that craft them. “These textiles carry centuries of history,” he says. “I want to shine a light on the artisans who continue that legacy today.”

For those eager to experience Fort Mose 1738 firsthand, the brand is hosting an exclusive pop-up in St. Augustine, Florida, from February 7 through March 7 at the St. Augustine Art Association. This marks the first time the collection will be available for immediate purchase in-person, an opportunity for fashion enthusiasts to embrace these stunning designs before they’re gone.

Maurice Gattis is not just designing clothes—he’s designing a movement. His work reminds us that fashion can be a powerful form of storytelling, one that connects the past with the present while shaping the future. And for those who want to make a statement with their wardrobe, Fort Mose 1738 is the brand to watch.