NIGERIA – Global beer brand Heineken has launched its first Africa inspired fashion collection, in collaboration with Africa’s emerging design talent, Lulu Mutuli and Azra Walji.
The collections were unveiled on the catwalk of the closing show at Lagos Fashion and Design Week.
It is an initiative in Heineken’s ‘Open Design Explorations’, which is global co-creation programme that connects emerging creative and gives them a platform to showcase their talents.
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.
Lulu Mutuli’s work gives traditional African apparel a futuristic edge, and at 24, has worked in top fashion houses in New York including RHIE and OMONDI.
“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,” she said.
Azra Walji, 27, is also known for her feminine shapes and African inspired elegance, reflected in her winning designs with Heineken.
“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,” she 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,” said Mark van Iterson, Director Global Heineken Design.
