Afrocentric, Afrochic
Fashion designer and aesthetic style powerhouse Duro Olowu transcultural vision to the new decade of inclusiveness
Nigerian-born, Londonbased designer Duro Olowu is globally known for his womenswear label that he launched in 2004(which chiefly mixes prints and textures) and his penchant for dressing women in the art world.
Characterized by evocative patterns, unique fabrics, impeccable construction and a saturated palette, his garments are typically informed by his international background and curator's eye. His Duro dress－a stunning knee-length skirt featuring a '70s silhouette with wide sleeves and patchwork materials－was named Dress of the Year by both fashion magazines British and American Vogue in 2004, and he was named New Designer of the Year in 2005 at the British Fashion Awards. Former First Lady Michelle Obama of the United States wore his designs and had him decorate part of the White House.
Olowu's spring/summer 2020 collection is inspired by the sketches by Françoise Gilot (who, among other notable achievements, was Pablo Picasso's romantic partner) and Beth Lesser's photographs of Jamaica in the early 1980s. His multinational, multicultural viewpoint has translated into hugely popular platforms and projects, from his dynamic Instagram account (@duroolowu) to his revelatory curatorial projects in London and New York.
