Koua New Collection

Acapulco: Waves of Change Collection pays homage to Acapulco and the artisan traditions of Guerrero with an important social message.

Acapulco - Waves of Change” Collection is inspired by Acapulco, a city located in the Pacific coast of Mexico known for its beautiful beaches and for being the favourite spot of glamorous celebrities during Hollywood’s Golden Age in the 60's.

Waves of Change, is a fusion of Mexican heritage, sustainability, and social empowerment. This collection, designed by me debuted with a Celebration of Latin Art and Design, in collaboration with the Colombian fashion brand, Anciela. But in recent years, Acapulco has become a victim of the wave of insecurity that has affected many local businesses and its people. Besides that, last year Acapulco was hit by ‘Otis’ a tropical storm which shockingly turned into a “Category 5” hurricane in just a day. This devastation left surroundings of about 800,000 people destroyed.

What changed?

This collection is more than a fashion statement. It represents a movement that embraces feminist lidership to create sustainable practices in fashion, encouraging independent designers to create garments with Koua Studio textiles and providing fair wages to the artisans and contribute to their traditional techniques preservation that have passed down through generations.

All the bags are carefully handcrafted in London by a Brazilian girl.. I decided to use vegan leather made from pineapple, recycled cotton given new life on a pedal loom by artisans in Oaxaca and fabrics naturally dyed or handcrafted by artisans from Xochistlahuaca and Chilapa de Álvarez, Guerrero – where my family heritage has its roots. Each of my 10 bags is a love letter to the crafts and traditions of Mexico, brought to life with a colorful and vibrant celebration of the Mexican culture.

The curated presentation at London Fashion Week gave further insight into my mission to bring together fashion designers who are passionate about sustainability, and the preservation of tradition, to create garments that interweave beautiful storytelling with expert craftsmanship like the development of a unique shirt with Anciela using fabric from textile house KOUA Studio’s recycled line, which was on show during the event. Sylki a UK-based women’s accessories brand run by a Brazilian mother, Eloneida and her daughter Eloane who design and make their garments in their own studio in London also partnered and their garments will be shown very soon in our online shop.

“I’m so excited to release my new collection. Acapulco - Waves of Change. It not only portrays childhood memories I had in the most famous seaside spot in Mexico, it tells the story of how this place have been impacted by environmental and social issues in the recent years.”

“I know I can’t turn back time, but I can help to bring about change with my initiative encouraging designers to create a unique collection with my textiles. In this way, I hope to not only contribute to the artisan economy and the cultural preservation of their designs and techniques, but to also close the gender gap by empowering women fashion entrepreneurs and helping them to reach new markets, together.” Erika Alvarez, Founder of KOUA Mexico and KOUA Studio.

The London Fashion Week presentation was a true celebration of Latin culture, fashion and music. It included a panel discussion focused on Latin entrepreneurship in London and a live performance by London- born Rosa Cecilia, an independent artist of Chilean-Italian heritage. Guests were served canapés and drinks using Ruta Maya rum and Tequila Casa Don Ramon. It was held at Monmouth Kitchen, an elegant Peruvian- Italian restaurant in the heart of London. Guests were gifted Collagen Superdose, a daily supplement to nourish the skin, hair, nails and joints.

The Acapulco – Waves of Change collection is available to buy from 01 October.

For more information, visit www.kouastudio.com , https://koua-mexico.com