Stiaan Louw 's sixth and most defining collection yet, aptly titled "6" and showed at the Johannesburg Art Gallery, addresses the question of what an African aesthetics actually is. Santo Gold blasted through the speakers and the words “I AM” exploded onto screens across the catwalk. These words became a central theme changing through abstractions of self : “I am enigmatic” or “I am elevated” whenever a model entered the arena -enhancing Louw's evident exploration of self. Since Africa is the cradle of mankind, the South African designer draws inspiration from varied ethnic cultures, subtly fusing Maasai, Middel eastern, Indian and ancient elements from Antiquity to create garments reminiscent of the Mesopotamian ideal. The collection displays the juxtaposition between wrapping, draping and structures as well as the synthesis of colonila and nomadic styles in a color palette of plain, de-saturated earthy and grey tones enhanced by firebrick reds, purples and dark blue. Cuts are loose, modern and sincere with layered elements, offering flexibility for wearability. Fabrics pleated, draped and nipped with Missibaba leather belts and sandals. Key pieces include the modern trench -a light cotton with the distinctive lapels, and super high-waisted peg pants. Also, an evolution of Louw's finecut deep neck vest -with a leather motif and deep drapery. Like the collection, the campaign plays on the idea of blending different styles, by using four photographers to interpret the four components of the collection in their own way, the only constant being the model, Eric Bester, the new face of Stiaan Louw. "6" artistically exhibits an atypical understanding of African design. Drawing from his heritage and vast research, Stiaan Louw bridges the gap between the Afro and the Euro-centric fashion void.
