Laurence Airline is a Parisian-based menswear label that is not only inspired by ethnic textiles, but works to promote and encourage responsible manufacturing practices with local African communities. Their AW 2012 collection is a anomalous mix of Japanese polka dots, Scottish plaid and wax-printed peacock feathers, constructed at their workshop on the Ivory Coast. Designer Laurence Chauvin-Buthaud works onsite, teaching local employers couture sewing techniques. The profits from her collections are invested back into the company, to continue building a stable learning centre, teaching fashion-making skills to help encourage future business.
For their SS 2012 collection Laurence Airline made a beautiful film in collaboration with Under Current magazine, shot in Abidjan, the economic capital of the Ivory Coast.
ABIDJAN: LAURENCEAIRLINE SS/12 from Under/Current magazine on Vimeo.
To view more of the AW12 collection and photos from the workshop…
Ivory Coast workshop; Photo from the Africa Fashion Guide
Making the SS 2012 collection at Ivory Coast workshop; Photo from the Africa Fashion Guide
Ivory Coast workshop; Photo from the Africa Fashion Guide
