The initiative is the next chapter in Heineken’s ‘Open
Design Explorations’, a global co- creation programme that connects emerging
creatives and gives them a platform to showcase their talent
In collaboration with Africa’s hottest emerging design
talent, Lulu Mutuli and Azra Walji, global beer brand, Heineken®
(www.TheHeinekenCompany.com) has launched its first-ever African fashion
collection, unveiled on the catwalk of the closing show at Lagos Fashion and
Design Week on Saturday 28 October 2017.
The initiative is the next chapter in Heineken’s ‘Open
Design Explorations’, a global co- creation programme that connects emerging
creatives and gives them a platform to showcase their talent. The Heineken®
Africa Inspired Collection is a fusion of the two designers’ concepts and is
the first of many design apprenticeships that the brand will roll out across
the world, going next to Asia.
After spending a week in Amsterdam developing their designs
at top Dutch Fashion House, LEW (www.LeemansenWicker.nl), Mutulo and Walji will
go on to benefit from a year-long programme of coaching from the designers,
known for eye-catching print design and innovative corporate fashion. The
designs will be produced at scale across Africa to be worn by Heineken
ambassadors throughout Nigeria, East Africa and beyond.
One of the first global brands to invest in Lagos Fashion
and Design Week, Heineken has been a headline sponsor for the past two years as
it emerges as one the most important events in the fashion calendar for
supporting new talent and inspiring Nigerian and African consumers.
Lulu Mutuli, 24, whose work gives traditional African
apparel a futuristic edge, has worked in top fashion houses in New York
including RHIE and OMONDI. She said, “My designs took inspiration from the role
African fashion has played in the culture of my country. Combining this rich
heritage with the progressive character of the Heineken brand was a challenge I
couldn’t resist. I used the bold Heineken colour palette, but I added a grey
tone and used technical orientated patterns for a modern twist. The asymmetric
shapes you can see were a way of incorporating practical elements whilst
creating striking and stylish silhouettes.”
Azra Walji, 27, is known for her feminine shapes and African
inspired elegance, reflected in her winning designs with Heineken. She said, “I
am so grateful to Heineken. Sharing my work at Lagos Fashion at Design Week is
a career-defining opportunity. I really enjoyed playing with the bold red and
green colours – they are so iconic to the brand but also synonymous with the
vibrancy of Africa. My designs are inspired by traditional African apparel but
with a twist – I love the modern femininity of the trousers and short dresses.”
Mark van Iterson, Director Global Heineken® Design said,
“Identifying and empowering talent remains a critical part of our global
agenda. We are constantly seeking new co- creation opportunities, to connect
with young emerging designers and give them a global stage to showcase their
talent, so we are delighted that this initiative has put a spotlight on such
talent. Nigeria is a growing hub for creativity and commerce and Lagos Fashion
and Design Week is helping to influence and define the global fashion
landscape. Heineken® in Nigeria was one of the first global brands to invest in
this vibrant event, seeing the opportunity to support new industry talent with
real experience and a global stage. We look forward to extending the programme
to other key markets next year.”
The new Heineken® African Inspired Collection with Mutuli
and Walji launched in style at Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week, with
items from the collection displayed in style on the runway. After the reveal,
award-winning music star, Tiwa Savage, of Jay-Z’s label Roc Nation, took to the
stage to perform international hits including ‘African Waist’ and ‘All Over’
live for a star-studded line up of guests as award-wining flair bartender Tom
Dyer served cocktails during the event.
Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2017 is a multiday fashion
extravaganza at the Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, where global
designers including Maki Oh (whose fans include Michelle Obama and Beyoncé)
take centre stage to celebrate African fashion and culture. The judges for
Heineken’s Africa Inspired Fashion challenge in Nairobi which brought Mutuli
and Walji to Lagos, included fashion powerhouse and founder of the Lagos
Fashion and Design Week Omoyemi Akerele, top Nigerian fashion designer Gloria
Wavunno and Tanzanian stylist Rio Paul.
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