STIAAN LOUW MENSWEAR ASTORE COLLECTION CAMPAIGN

Stiaan Louw shot the campaign for his new Astore venture this Saturday in Woodstock and I was there to give a little backstage view of what went on.

Shot by the very talented Brett Rubin, the campaign sees model LeRiche in deconstructed Stiaan Louw basics. A Fitting concept as the set of the campaign was more intimate and natural than any lavish shoot would produce. And it's certainly worked for Stiaan in his prior campaigns.



Stiaan Louw menswear introduces a collection of stripped down basics for Cape Town based Astore. The line, that was produced while bearing the Astore client in mind, aims to introduce them the fit and subtle detailing synonymous with the 'Stiaan Louw menswear' collection.

This collaborative effort sees the first of many such projects for the brand while expanding his existing market.







STIAAN LOUW MENSWEAR ASTORE COLLECTION CAMPAIGN
PHOTOGRAPHER BRETT RUBIN
STYLIST NICOLE VAN HEERDEN
MODEL LERICHE FROM SHINE.

IN STORE NOW WWW.ASTOREISGOOD.COM
STIAANLOUW@YAHOO.COM

Stiaan Louw at the 2010 Design Indaba

Seated in the front row I was fortunate to witness Stiaan Louw's latest collection at the 2010 Design Indaba. Fellow blogger Robyn Cooke and I were seeing it all for the first time, so as you can imagine we had no idea what to expect.

"I saw a light" by Bat for Lashes played softly and elegantly as the show opened. It played hand in hand to the unveiling of a new Stiaan Louw. A less complicated and organic rebirth, if you will. And not only does it extend to his design which in itself is so fresh and new, but he used cotton, viscose, cotton twills and viscose knits which are all natural fabrics too.



Thankfully his show was choreographed beautifully to allow us, his fashion voyeurs a better chance to catch the details. Such as these cotton spandex tracksuit pants, which double up as jeans!





And this jacket which has the most original collar detailing which I have now dubbed "The Bunny Collar". The stand is slightly higher than with traditional shirt collars and the fall smaller. It's fantastic!





You may also recognize Morne' who modeled these overlay shirts. Die hards will see that this is a trademark of Stiaan Louw's designs of allowing you to change the colour. The one shirt slots over the other!



Success! A show that genuinely excited me on a local front. I truly believe Stiaan is a step ahead of his peers and I can only look forward to seeing more of what he has to offer our country.

STIAAN LOUW DOCUMENTARY: Brand vs. Persona

I just got this video teaser in and wanted to share it with you straight away! In a new 12 minute documentary Stiaan Louw is followed around during the recent build-up to 2010 Design Indaba. Not only will you be introduced to the process of building a line, but you will also discover the artist behind the name.



The documentary director, Kyle Lewis had this to say of Stiaan :

"I believe that the world of fashion; design and film all co-inside. And as a fashion lover myself I wanted to shed light on how crazy the fashion world is but also how rewarding it can be.

Stiaan Louw is one of the most revolutionary South African designers, taking his brand to the fore front of international fashion.

But even with all his success he has managed to remain a humble down to earth person, who is driven by his passion to create and inspire. I believe it�s important to expose people to Stiaan�s world, because he is the perfect example of a success story.

I wanted to show the man behind the name."

Q&A with Stiaan Louw on his latest Campaign

Stephen Manion steps up to replace LeRiche in Stiaan Louw's latest ad campaign. I sat down with Stiaan to find out more about the new collection.



MOTC: Stiaan, Your latest collection is such a breath of fresh air. It certainly reflects a notable change in your style while still maintaining the Stiaan Louw ethos. What brought on this change?

SL: I spent last year pursuing almost every opportunity that came my way... I found myself somewhat exhausted at the end of it and still stuck on using a predominantly black palette. I wanted to create a 'quiet' collection, focused on the construction of the clothes, however simple...and make the design of the clothes the focal point again...I'm learning how to say 'no'.

MOTC: You unveiled the collection at this years 2010 Design Indaba, which I was able to attend, and it was quite a beautiful and elegant showing. How did you come about the themes and choreography?

SL: I knew I wanted the collection to speak of where I was at that particular moment in time. I wanted it to be 'soft', simple and minimalist. Brett Rubin (the campaign photographer) and I have been working together for several seasons now and there is a wonderful synergy between us. Before he left for Johannesburg on a road trip I gave him a shirt from the collection and described the mood and feel to him. He surprised me with the most beautiful photographs of landscapes which then became a strong component of the show. The choreography was done by Juanita Daniel and Jan Malan... I have worked with them on all my shows and they seem to understand the underlying ethos of my brand. The music was quite different from my normal choices for shows, but I also wanted to tone that down, use something more thought-provoking and 'mature' to accompany the shift.

MOTC: Your latest campaign boy Stephen is quite a contrast to his predecessor LeRiche with a very old-worldly look to him, was there a conscious decision to this choice?

SL: Yes, I saw Stephen at Design Indaba in 2009 and knew I wanted to create a collection around him, but the time was not right... I first had to go through the experience of last year...then at the beginning of this year I knew I wanted my work to capture a more mature, softer approach...he seemed to capture this and I made contact again.

MOTC: Tell me some more about the Look-book:

SL: The look-book happened a day or two before the show, it was unplanned... Brett had presented the images of the landscapes to me just the day before. They spoke to me on so many different levels... of where my work was, which direction I wanted to take it in and also of where I was emotionally. Over coffee, while looking at the images he offered to shoot the look-book the next morning, a day before leaving for Johannesburg. The experience felt similar to that of the first 'Next Generation Campaign' I did with him. It was simple, effortless and 'uncluttered'. Those are also some of the words I now remind myself of while designing...its where I started initially.





MOTC: Tell me a bit about the fabrics used, also comparing them to prior season. They seem like they have more texture. I also notice you didn't have any black in this collection either:

SL: All the fabrics are still cottons and viscose, but I decided on a lighter colour palette...Even though its a winter collection I wanted it to move away from the edgier black I did before. I wanted it to look more tailored in a way and opted for fabrics with more texture. I think it goes hand in hand with the fact that I don't want to necessarily be know as a designer whose work is only aimed at a the edgy youth market as I have been described as before. I didn't want that to be the predominant perception of my work.

MOTC: You like to keep things 'in the family' in a sense using photographer Brett Rubin and stylist Nicole Van Heerden again, I imagine they 'get' your vision?

SL: I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of people on my collections, but I tend to return to the ones I feel I have a good 'rhythm' and trust with. This is very important to me in all my relationships. Brett has an understanding of what I want to achieve and he is open to the process...it makes it unbelievably effortless. Also I think you develop a visual language with the people you collaborate with over time...it is something that needs nurturing. For instance, in this look book Brett did a shot of Stephen from the side which reminded me of the shot of Chris Wagner from the back in the Next Generation Johannesburg campaign.

MOTC: How is your affiliation with Astore going? Any plans to open a stand-alone of your own like David West?

SL: Astore has been a positive experience. When I approached them the first time after Fashion Week 2008 I knew there was amazing potential for my brand in the store. I feel that this potential is being realised and that it can only grow stronger from here. I am considering my own stand alone store, but I feel that it is a huge responsibility. I have many friends with stores and would like to think that I will be well prepare once I do it. I have always believed in taking things slowly, in the hope of not burning out or making too many financial mistakes.

MOTC: I loved the stretchy jean-tracksuit pants in the show, how did you come up with that idea?

SL: I have been playing with smart tracksuit pants since the beginning of the menswear. First I had it in a tux drop-crotch version and then with zips on the inner leg to tighten or loosen the leg. I think I have finally created a shape that is comfortable and easy to wear, but can be worn with a suit jacket or a simple vest.

MOTC: I think the detailing of this collection is so great. Long spread lapels, high double 'bunny collars' and a lot of your signature layering. It seems like you've taken a lot of care into these details.

SL: I think the details are most important with menswear. I often look at guys shopping and more often than not, the discerning shopper doesn't pay much attention to the obviously 'designed' clothes... they understand what a beautifully made collar looks like, or a lapel that folds perfectly. Since I have stared my mentorship with House of Monatic through the Cape Town Fashion Council, this has become a focal point and something I will continue to focus on. Fit is key!

MOTC: Are there any other menswear designers you're watching from the corner of eye?

SL: Locally? Not really, not that i don't think they are not out there...I just prefer to focus on my own work and not to get involved in politics...I think it distracts from the focus.

MOTC: So... what's next for Stiaan Louw?

SL: I may be doing Africa Fashion Week next...but making sure I provide my clients with beautiful product and expanding on that base is my focal point for this year, but I'm doing it slowly and with consideration.

INRTRODUCING... '6' by STIAAN LOUW

In this first look at Stiaan Louw�s sixth and most defining collection, �6�  with it's Middle Eastern, ancient Greek, Indian and Massai influence help to redefine the idea of an African aesthetic. This collection is about blending these different styles. Within the campaign Stiaan has elected four photographers to interpret the four components of the collection however they see it. The model, Eric Bester is the new face of Stiaan Louw and will appear in each component following the release of '6', featuring garments reminiscent of the Mesopotamian ideal. 

STIAAN LOUW IN COSMOPOLITAN FEBRUARY 2011 ISSUE

With just a couple weeks to go before the new collection is unveiled, Stiaan Louw is once again featured in one of our local magazines. This time, for Cosmopolitan's February issue. The models, from 20 Management were styled by Margot Robinson and photographed by Natasja Maria Fourie.



AFI Fashion Week in Joburg starts on the 15th of February and Stiaan will be showing on the 18th. Having attended the opening party on Tuesday night I was able to hear about the very special plans for the designers which include multiple landmark venue changes. I am excited to see what the whole outcome is because it was truly planned with a lot of thought and passion.

For the second image, which includes the face of Stiaan Louw's "6" campaign Eric Bester and three strong new models are styled by the talented Michael Cooper and photographed by Justin Polkey.

STIAAN LOUW '6'

With mere days away until the exciting debut of '6' at Johannesburg fashion week, Stiaan Louw along with the face of this season Eric Bester, take us back to an old-worldly re-imagining of sorts, and spectacularly I may add. Shot in Silvermines by Antonia Steyn, Eric comes out hazy, blurry and a little nostalgic in these beautiful images released late last night.

With the team that has followed '6' since the beginning, Michael Cooper and Laura Kingma lend their talents as art director and hair and make-up respectively.

Watch this space because I will be reporting from Jhb fashion week via Twitter and will have images for you up close and behind the scenes. Stiaan Louw shows on the 18th February at 21:30pm at the Joburg art gallery.  Will you be there?

All Access - Stiaan Louw Feature

Last Friday Mnet's "All Access" showcased an interview with menswear great Stiaan Louw. I was invited along to give my own opinions of Stiaan's work. Included in the interview, Morne Visagie (who modeled in Louw's "Design Indaba" show last year) and studio-mate and fellow designer Maya Prass.

The insert is embedded below for your viewing:

Stiaan Louw covers Wallpaper magazine

Photographed by Laurence Ellis, who first shot with Stiaan in 2008, returns for the mark of the return for our favorite local designer. Modeled by Lunga from Boss, the cover shoot took place in front of our great stadium for Wallpapers world issue. With the cover model wearing pleated shorts in a lightweight twill that you can shorten even more, Stiaan gives  us a clue of what his newest collection will offer.

The T-shirt is a lightweight knit that incorporates themes with wrapping and draping. This came about through inspiration from the Masai and Middle-Eastern culture in what Stiaan calls his best work to date. 

Watch this space as we uncover all the exciting news that builds up to Stiaan Louw's '6' collection.

Stiaan Louw Documentary Part 1

You've been asking about it and now it's here. Catch the first installment of my friend and menswear designer, Stiaan Louw's documentary. If you've ever wondered about what he's like in person, here is your chance. Directed by Kyle Lewis, the short contains interviews with those in the know, including models and fellow designers. A real treat!

Stiaan, who has been designing for around ten years has been going through a shedding process and this is just the beginning of only wonderful things to come. I, along with South Africa look forward to seeing just what that is! Enjoy.

Stiaan Louw Mesh Vest

I stopped by Stiaan Louw's studio today for a quick visit and of course to get my hands on the Striped Mesh Vest I have featured here. The mesh allows you to layer, or if you're brave enough to wear as is. That way you get to change the look which gives it more longevity in your wardrobe. The beauty of it is it's versatility. Add a jacket, as shown below and you can make it more wearable for evening. I personally loved it with just a wife-beater vest, my Diesel fold-up skinny pants and Haviana's.

If you're interested in this and other items from Stiaan join his Facebook group here!

STIAAN LOUW REVEALS PART 1 of 6

Photography by Byron L Kuilmans of Vision, Hair and Make-up by Laura Kingma and styling by Michael Cooper. Jewellery by Ida Elsje.  

Stiaan's latest collection arrives much like a whisper but I can already hear the excitement and praise buzzing from one side of the world to another from where I sit. What we know for sure is these images are something very new and special and showcase draping and construction that I have personally never seen before. What Stiaan Louw does is not fashion, it is very simply art and while not everyone will understand or appreciate his aesthetic for fear of its bold design I encourage you to look closer. There is influence from foreign lands and forgotten times and yet here they are re-invented for 2010. This collection celebrates masculinity and sex and beauty while at the same time stunning you for just a moment because you can't quite place what you're looking at. There is something so unique about this collection which just reinforces why he is loved by so many from Cape Town to New York. Expect big things from this man... because it's coming.

Exclusive Sneak-Peek at Stiaan Louw for Astore!

Exclusive pictures from the new Stiaan Louw for Astore campaign arrived for me today. Check out the outcome of the shoot I went to last Saturday. It's clear that Stiaan has a certain style and this deconstruction of his basics shows that even a pair of scissors can't detract from the coolness that is Stiaans designs.

Photographed by Brett Rubin, styled by Nicole Van Heerden and modelled by LeRiche of Shine.

Q&A with Stiaan Louw for Ammo Magazine

Stiaan Louw has been all over the net and magazines lately with the anticipation of his upcoming collection(s). Now Ammo Magazine beckoned the local designer for a Q&A all the way from New York and they included the topic of blackfacing and the controversy around it. Quite the interesting read!

Follow the jump to read the Q&A >>

Stiaan Louw Model Preview

South African designer Stiaan Louw is doing wonderful things to shape menswear in our country. While there will be a lot more to follow I do have some images of latest model/muse Greg Dodds.



Dodds was photographed by Miguel Sobreira wearing clothing from Stiaans Positive Heroes collection, including the horizontal striped mesh creation that I want!



Greg Dodds is of Ymodels.

Stiaan Louw at Design Indaba 2010

The design Indaba, now in it's thirteenth year will be showcasing an array of South Africa's diverse talent. Each year challenging to outdo themselves, offering graphic design, d�cor, jewelry, industrial design, furniture and of course Fashion just to name a few.

And with fashion we need look no further than Stiaan Louw who will be showcasing his 2010 Winter collection. The promo image was designed by friend and muse Morn� Visagie and comes part of a series of four.

As for the fun to be had at the CTICC in Cape Town from the 26th to the 28th February, there are all day fashion shows, a short film festival and over 250 exhibitions to help empty your wallet after pay-day.

Stiaan Louw Documentary Part 2

Stiaan Louw in Part two of his Documentary by Kyle Lewis, discusses his organic approach to tackling an international market. In addition to this, advice for fellow young designers and if you look carefully at the two minute mark you can see me checking out his rack at the Design Indaba where the fashion show took place! Sneaky.

Enjoy!

Stiaan Louw: New faces, new aesthetic

Think you have what it takes to be a model for Stiaan Louw? Only a few days left to audition! Follow this link or email Stiaanlouw@yahoo.com right away! So far only one model has been chosen... will you be next?

THE AFI FASHION WEEK LINE-UP

Spotted at the AFI Fashion Week launch in Johannesburg last week was Stiaan Louw (with Joe from Jaylowlovesyou). We were able to discuss some of the treats lined up for his new collection but mums the word. Here is a list of designers showing next month.

• Suzaan Heyns, a Joburg label that pushes the boundaries in ready-to-wear fashion, appealing to strong-willed women;
• Errol Arendz, whose luxury fashion brands, DuSud and EA Ready to Wear, have a sleek and glamorous feel with delicate military touches;
• Kl�kCGDT, a label that represents the merging of two designers dedicated to each garment with careful attention and dedication to detail;
• LISP, which is about living out rock and roll, with an autumn / winter collection drawing inspiration from the late 1960s and early 1970s;
• Wild Fig, a woman�s clothing label that makes the wearer feel feminine and beautiful;
• Spero Villioti, who for the past 25 years has been viewed as the leading haute couture label in Joburg;
• Abigail Betz, winner of the Best Couture Collection award, whose designs are characterised by femininity and romance;
• Karabo Finger, a specialty fashion brand focusing on women�s career, cocktail and lifestyle wear;
• Distinctive Wear, which creates clothes for sophisticated men;
• Avant for Gaschette, which notes that �inspiration from Joburg comes mainly from what is taken in visually and experiences on a sensory level on a day-to-day basis�;
• Grapevine, a new Joburg label;
• Bongiwe Walaza, who uses African prints strongly in her garments;
• Stiaan Louw, with his menswear;
• Thula Sindi, who designs clothing for elegant and mature women;
• Abigail Keats, whose signature style is best described as a sophisticated contemporary art form that plays with the paradox of masculine tailoring;
• Tart, which focuses on leisurewear;
• Loin Cloth and Ashes, which focuses on dresses for women who dare to be different;
• Heni, who won the Vodacom Durban July fashion challenge in 2007; and
• David Tlale, a home-grown label that stands out for its elegantly designed garments.

from joburg.org.za, image property of Fashion 2010 - 2011

Mercedes Benz Award for Fashion 2009

I attended the above mentioned event on Thursday evening with my friend Riaan in tow. It was all in honor of the winners and participants of the 2009 Mercedes Benz Award for Fashion. It was only appropriate that the event was held at the Century City Mercedes Benz Showroom, seeing as Quality, Fashion and Lifestyle are all elements of a Mercedes owner. Well hopefully.

The garments arrived back from Germany where they have been stationed for some time at the Daimler Contemporary House Huth in Berlin.



The intimate event had us steered to the front window where the participants designs were lined up for viewing. Stiaan Louw and his gang of black were downstairs where I snapped up this photo of the chain-vest which took 3 weeks to finish!



The rest of Stiaan's garments can be viewed here.



I met up with Stiaan's muse and friend Morne' for a chat in the above picture and my friend Riaan checks out some of the other garmets below.









Participants included David Tlale, Abigail Betz, Darkie, Mantsho, Craig Native and Maya Prass. Thanks to Stiaan for the Invite!