Sustainable Textile Brand KOUA Studio Adds to London Fashion Week’s Latin Flair

London-based sustainable textile entrepreneur, Erika Alvarez – the CEO of bespoke handmade textile label KOUA Studio – has continued to amplify the voice of Latin designers and creatives by teaming up with another prominent Latin American female figure making waves on the fashion scene during this week’s London Fashion Week.

Founded by London-based, Colombian-Chilean Fashion Designer Jennifer Droguett in 2019, Anciela celebrates South American culture and experimental tailoring. The brand’s show at Fashion Week (19 September) brought the vibrant colours and daring style of Latin America to London in a presentation aptly titled, Latin Notes.

A prominent feminist advocate for Latinas and sustainability in fashion both in London and in her native Mexico, Erika was dressed in the Valentina hand bleached denim jacket and trousers from Anciela’s archives, finished with a Miu Miu bag, a pair of navy blue velvet boots and Burberry sunglasses.

Both pieces featured a custom leaf print hand bleached in London. Made with dead stock indigo heavy raw denim, the easy fit with a draped front hem and a classic revere collar allowed for a playful silhouette while keeping the classic indigo denim feel. Each piece was beautifully finished with cotton tapes within.

Speaking after the show, Erika said “I really identify with Jennifer’s story. Being a Latina in London and trying to grow in the fashion industry is tough. But we Latinas are resilient, and we keep using our voices and create awareness of our cultural heritage as well as supporting a range of causes to further develop sustainable practices in fashion.

“Supporting each other as Latin women is important to me and makes us more powerful than the sum of our parts. Having established ourselves in the fashion industry and in London – and as we saw during this year’s SS24 show, we Latinas are perseverant and resilient, we are passionate. We put our soul into whatever we do, and Jennifer is a clear example of that spirit in action. I’m totally in love with her new collection.

“I attended around 10 shows and this was one of my favourites. It brought the audience into the story and the fact that there is diversity in the style of clothes and models gave everyone a sense of belonging. I love her brand.”

Anciela’s show was an immersive experience bringing Latin flair to London. Held in an atmospheric crypt, a diverse range of models from all ages, genders, body sizes and ethnicities took to the catwalk, many dancing to the rhythm of Latin notes while sashaying down the catwalk. The designer painted the clothes of a model while on stage, while the whole show underlined the importance of a clean supply chain and how to choose ethical fashion as a consumer.

Anciela and KOUA Studio have both made London their base but continue to shine a spotlight on the diversity and value of artisan craftspeople and indigenous communities across Latin America. It’s a message of sustainability, craftsmanship and the value of women that resonates across the UK capital and beyond.

Anciela collaborated with Studio Kuhu (Mariana Leyvato) to create three new colours for this collection using Mexican dyes from Oaxaca – which in Mexican culture are traditionally used to convey stories and speak to the land – and English Madder.

To find out more about KOUA Studio, visit: http://www.kouastudio.com

To find out more about Anciela, visit: https://www.anciela.com