Design Genious: Lisa Folwaiyo

 

 

 

I have just finished reading a delightful introduction to Lisa Folawiyo - design genious behind Jewel by Lisa. Her collection has been all over the blogosphere this season -  see more photos at Haute Fashion Africa, That 1960 Chick, and Style House Files.

In 2005 Lisa Folawiyo and her team of expert craftsmen stormed onto the Nigerian fashion scene with Jewel by Lisa. In less than four years Lisa has perfected the art of wearing Ankara, turning it into a coveted luxury label through the embellishment of the fabric with sequins, swarovski crystals, beads and the like - all which are handmade in workshops in Lagos, Nigeria. Jewel by Lisa uses the highest quality Ankara from the Vlisco-Hollandis brand and is frequently mixed with fabrics as wide ranging as taffeta, linen, cotton, chiffon, chantilly lace, and silk. Each Jewel by Lisa garment is handcrafted, individual and unique.  With each embellishment hand sewn carefully onto the fabric, a JBL garment on average will take about 120 hours to make. The ease with which the garments could be worn and the intricate workmanship visible in each piece sparked a new revolution in Ankara couture.

Jewel by Lisa has grown with a strong clientele, and the beginning of an international interest. JBL’s goal is to cater to the Nigerian market, creating desirable, one-of-a kind luxury pieces while establishing itself as an international label.

In 2008, Jewel by Lisa featured in the This Day Africa Rising Festival in London, and was one of only 3 designers chosen for the catwalk show at the M-net Face of Africa modelling competition. In June 2009, the label will participate in the inaugural African Fashion Week in Johannesburg as well as a host of other renowned fashion events around the continent.

Jewel by Lisa has been featured in several publications such as Arise Magazine, True Love Magazine, ThisDay Style, Genevieve, and Elan. Lisa Folwaiyo was also featured and interviewed on the Moments with Mo talk show in 2008.

Bio and retail at My Asho

.... beautiful.

Yep. That is all I could say as I perused the website of Suno. Ohhh and ahhhs overload.

 

 

I PROMISE this design story is worth reading.

 SUNO is a New York based womenswear label founded in 2008 by Max
Osterweis in collaboration with designer Erin Beatty. The collection was
launched in Spring 2009 after post-election violence threatened to damage
the economy and industry in Kenya, a long time second home to Osterweis.

Using vintage Kenyan textiles that Osterweis had been collecting for years,
they created their first small collection, produced predominantly in Kenya.
The collection was represented in its first season by Opening Ceremony,
Maria Luisa, Enny di Monaco and Ikram.

Since its inception, SUNO has evolved its business to include production in
Kenya, India, Peru and its home base of New York. Via a combination of
traditional, local techniques and high-end tailoring, as well as an emphasis
on fit and fabric, SUNO is able to offer a global, unique view of the luxury
world in an accessible way.

SUNO currently offers a jewelry collection in collaboration with Lizzie
Fortunato Jewels, as well as a capsule footwear collection with Loefler Randall
shoes, incorporating the unique prints and fabrics of the collection into each
design to maintain the same optimistic, fresh, and slightly haunting point of
view across all lines.

SUNO is available at more than 60 retailers worldwide, including Barneys
New York, Opening Ceremony, Ikram, Browns Focus, and Lane Crawford.