DURO OLOWU | FALL / WINTER 2012

Lagos-born designer, Duro Olowu, is known for his distinctive culturally inspired pieces. Having grown up in Nigeria and moved to England after training as a lawyer, his brilliant creations are the product of ethnic variation and raw talent.

Since winning British Fashion Council’s ‘New Designer of the Year’ award in 2005, his interesting upbringing has continued to have a clear influence on his work. Including his signature ‘Olowu dress’, his beautiful collections have always been visually exciting; with bold graphic prints, daring shapes, and a multitude of colours and fabrics. As has been said, Olowu’s clothing is “made for the confident women”.

His Fall / Winter 2012 collection promises nothing less. Though arguably more wearable, this season brings no less impact. Another vision of cosmopolitanism represented in sharply cut jackets, trousers and dresses; all with the characteristic eclecticism Olowu is known for. As if pre-empted, the tribal prints he has been using for years are very ‘on trend’ for this Fall / Winter.

With all this to his name, it is not surprising that Olowu is ever becoming more widely noticed and available. His pieces are now selling on fashion retail website, Net a Porter and are worn by Michelle Obama.

- Rebecca Gillam