FASHION

BIRDS OF PARADISE

Prints make a play for summer

Tell us about the new collection.

Chulaap is all about celebrating Africa. Every print tells a story. My Summer 2018/19 collection, “A West African Dream”, is inspired by the humidity and the richness of the culture and style on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria. It is bold and plays with the new textures, colours and layers of African prints. The colour is inspired by the African sunrise and sunset and the evening stars and the colours of the ocean.

What was the process of making this collection?

I played with prints less this season compared to my last four collections, and the silhouettes have become slightly looser, but are still very contemporary. The prints and textures are graphics that I created by layering different scales of the same prints, but in the same colour to create visual depth, like an Afro illusion. I also focused more on textured fabrics like lace, broderie Anglais, crochet, matte sequin detailing and watercolour effects including brush strokes and ombre.

Tell us about the imagery for this collection.

It is all about combining tropical and urban vibes, kind of like having a great summer in the city. It’s bright, bold and a lot like birds of paradise. It mixes unexpected colour and prints with new silhouettes. I collaborated with Crystal Birch at Parisian Milliners for the bucket hats with a snapback, and the black kicks are from Superga.

Who is the Chulaap customer?

Anyone who loves travelling with a positive energy. They love a fresh and modern but straightforward dress code.

What are the big fashion trends you are seeing in menswear?

White and tropical colours like shades of red, green, blue, spices and neutrals. Sports luxe is also still big.

What have been the biggest changes in menswear in recent years?

Designers are taking more risks in silhouettes and details. Some are still keeping it classic but starting to explore with new colour and prints.

What’s on your radar for spring/summer 2018?

I love Hawaiian-style shirts, cropped pants and bucket hats.

What is your style mantra?

Keep it bright, bold, fresh, unpredictable and modern. Nothemba Mkhondo