Africa Feature: Loza Maléombho, Artist and Designer [Côte d’Ivoire]

Transforming African culture and taking it to the world is exactly what this Ivorian designer is doing. Africa has indeed much to offer and this brand seeks to reinvent the African traditional wear, adapt them to modern time and by so doing conserve them. This brand was established in New York City in 2009 and produces in Côte d’Ivoire since 2012. The brand masterfully fuses traditional cultures/sub-cultures and contemporary fashion with vibrant patterns and a touch of fun.

Loza Maléombho was born in Brazil with Ivorian and Central African origins. She therefore credits her early worldwide exposure for the eclectic aesthetic and multi-culturalism ever present in her work.

By producing her products in Côte d’Ivoire, Loza’s vision is to empower women with a small manufacturing workshop that produces the collection solely hiring women form unfavorable backgrounds. She fondly believes in female empowerment through social-economic trade. Loza also works closely with local artisans on featured products such as indigo dye-fabric, jewelry, shoes and accessories, giving the needed exposure internationally. The Loza Maléombho brand is socially responsible, aesthetically appealing, internationally competitive and just plain stylish.

Who does she design for? A confident and cultivated woman with an interest in travel, unafraid to make a statement and who nurtures difference.

I think we have spoken enough. See for yourself her Spring 2015 collection that blends African traditions with western ballet and circus culture making traditional wax and kente fabrics come to life. Do you have a favorite one?