Loza Maléombho is a women’s ready to wear clothing line based in New York and supporting women empowerment, social and economic trades in Cote d’Ivoire. Their designs and development take place in New York employing experienced patternmakers. The patterns and garment samples are then sent to be produced in Cote d’Ivoire, West Africa, by a small group of trained women.
Loza Maléombho is a designer born in Brazil and raised in Cote d’Ivoire and the United States. With work experiences with designers Yigal Azrouel, Cynthia Rowley and Jill Stuart all this adds to her experienced worldwide exposure at a young age which has inspired her artistic expression through Fashion Design.
“I believe fashion is at its’ raw shape when it exudes a true culture’s aesthetic and authentic traditions” says Maléombho.We first came across Loza and her eponymous label through the Ethical Fashion Forum as her design aesthetic in relation to Africa stood out amongst many as well as her desire to create a sustainable business model too.
This season, for Autumn/Winter 2012/2013, Loza makes a focus on tailored jackets and cropped vests with curved heavily piped detailing. Toureg’s were the inspiration for the full skirts and low slung trousers and these are paired with turbans for styling along with backless dresses for added accent. It is a true African journey through the medium of fashion and textiles you will find here. Once again she uses kente fabric which has been hand woven from 100% cotton from the Akan’s tribe in Ghana along with that made by the Baoule’s tribe in Cote d’Ivoire. Along with this Ankara (Wax print poplins) are added to give a culturally eclectic mix.
These are my favourite pieces – beautifully crafted and with a great use of fabric and inspiration. This collection exudes style and originality.
Loza intends on building a successful and visible company that hires local Ivorian women and their talents, and as a result provide fair living wage compensation, employ ethical business working practices and showcase some of Cote d’Ivoire’s artistry with positive and lasting social and economic development. Above all Loza and team intend on setting foot in the fashion industry as a successful sustainable modern label for an intellectual and socially conscious woman. With the recent accolade of ‘Emerging Designer of the Year’ at Arise Magazine Fashion Week 2012 and the promise to show with them at their Made in Africa fashion show during New York Fashion Week in Sept 2012, it is looking very promising from this culturally eclectic brand.
For more information contact info@LozaMaléombho.com
See the website at www.LozaMaléombho.com
