In it's second week, London Fashion Week got a taste of South africa, or more appropriately, Africa. Stiaan Louw represented with a sort of re-showing of his AFI Jhb 2011 collection but with noticeable tweaks, like the introduction of vibrant colour tones.
Louw joined two other local designers in London for Vauxhall Fashion Scout in association with the Ubuntu International Project (two of which were menswear shows) and it was a great success. This marks the start of a three year program which aims to showcase these designers to an international audience. And it's about time that we got some international airtime. Errol Hendrickse says that is "an aesthetic that is not geographically confined but can be African and Eurocentric at the same time". And how very appropriate considering Louw's updated collection of soft cotton drapery in earthy tones. I think this is a great launching off point for what has already been a good year for Stiaan.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SDR PHOTO.
