COULEURS D’AFRIQUE
I met the mother and daughter team behind Couleurs D’ Afrique, and knew immediately that something special was happening. First established in 1994, the hair, crafts, and clothing shop on Reunion Island was the enterprise of mother Maman Jolie. Following a family tragedy, Jolie considered selling the business, however, her daughter Miss Aline had different ideas. Launching a Facebook page and taking on a management role daughter Miss Aline brought new life to Couleurs D’ Afrique.
Fast forward to this dynamic label that celebrates African fashion, and employs seamstresses and fabric designers in several African countries. As well as producing a contemporary fashion line the company has the mandate to help bring women out of poverty.
COULEURS D’AFRIQUE
Friday April 8th saw Couleurs D’Afrique bring their bold and beautiful collection to Vancouver Fashion Week F/W22. If you love big, bold, colorful designs you would be delighted by the collection of Couleurs D’Afrique. The runway, was brought to life with the brilliant colored designs that flowed down the runway. The color palette was a spectrum, standing out are teals, reds, and yellows. Brilliant and bold the colors are pure and energetic. The colorful prints gave the feel of a tropical party.
The first three garments showed the ambiance and spirit of the collection. The shapes and silhouettes are contemporary and body-conscious. These clothes are the perfect combination of color and style for the vacation-ready. Drawing on the bold African prints these garments are well suited to those who cherish self-expression. The opening garment was resplendent in the hues and pattern of peacock feathers against a sienna background. The halter top and flowing skirt could take the wearer from poolside to evening wear. A red and gold pleated peplumed mini dress over black shorts is my favorite color combination and is infused fun and girlish charm.
Photos are courtesy of Vancouver Fashion Week
Photographer Arun Nevader
COULEURS D’AFRIQUE
Many looks have twisted halter tops with exposed midriffs, they are youthful and flirtatious. The collection has varied pieces ,shorts, skirts and trousers are matched with tube tops, halters and jackets. This collection is sexy, bold and well suited to both evening and daywear. Silhouettes were fluid and skin was the star of the show.
The closing two pieces are dresses showing totally different silhouettes, illustrating the variety of pieces in this collection. The first is a sexy bold mini dress with an oversized peplum perfect for cocktail hour at the resort. The second dress is a floor-length navy dress that is elegant and sophisticated. The navy dress, the only one that does not incorporate a bold print, brings another element to the collection. The clean, uncomplicated silhouette shows a refined, understated beauty.
This collection inspires one after a long time of no travel, no resorts, no cruises to pack these sexy pieces in a suitcase and hit the vacation spots. This collection is full of energy and full of life. Couleurs D’Afrique not only gives color, but gives us style and flare with this bold and beautiful collection.
CIAO FOR NOW J.ANDREW