INSPIRED BY THE 1950s
Chu Suwannapha’s ready-to-wear women’s collection is inspired by the everyday African woman, and combines 1950s silhouettes and traditional prints with an oriental outlook, writes NONTANDO MPOSO
FASHION designer Chu Suwannapha debuted his label CHULAAP about two years ago at the inaugural South African Menswear Week (SAMW).
The unisex range was a meeting of his eastern (Suwannapha is from Thailand) and African roots (he is based in Cape Town). This resulted in beautifully tailored clashing African prints in origami-like shapes.
The collection received raved reviews locally and internationally.
His creative eye for design and experience in the fashion industry is evident in each piece, making his carefully curated runway shows stand out. Suwannapha launched his debut ready-to-wear womenswear collection this week.
What pieces make up the collection for CHULAAP’s Cruise?
I’m not working with the wax prints as I usually do. The prints I have used for this collection are more contemporary and graphic.
The prints are 3D and create an optical illusion with a lot of depth and dimension. I love to play with graphic lines, like the diamond shapes and the Op Art bubbles which make each piece come to life.
The colour palette I’ve chosen is monochrome and shades of blue.
The collection comprises 17 styles including skirts, a shirt dress, trench coat, culottes and more – which are timeless and effortless pieces which will suit for all different occasion. It’s a mix of feminine styles plus boy meets girl which is both clean and modern.
What inspired the designs?
This ready-to-wear womenswear collection is inspired by the everyday African woman, and combines a 1950s feminine silhouette and graphic prints with an oriental twist. Each piece can be worn separately or combined to make a statement with head-to-toe prints.
Fashion should always be effortless and practical and that’s why I’ve designed beautiful garments to flatter and celebrate the African woman who is looking for key pieces that highlight both her spirit and individuality with vibrant flair.
Why the move to womenswear? Is the approach, designwise, different for designing womenswear than menswear clothing?
I’ve wanted to create a womenswear collection for a while and now seemed like the perfect opportunity. My designs are always straight forward with a twist of oriental – I like that what you see, is what you get.
And my philosophy is that dressing is not about impressing the person next to you. It should be about adding personality and confidence to oneself.
My signature style didn’t change at all – you can still tell that it’s the same “men’s” designer who has created this womenswear range.
The only differences are the lady-like 1950s inspired tops, dresses and skirts.
Who is the CHULAAP Cruise Collection woman?
The CHULAAP Cruise collection is aiming for broader audiences and who’s not afraid to wear graphic prints. It’s bold but basic.
I want my audience to feel pretty and sophisticated with a sense of modern femininity and sexiness.
Where do you find inspiration? Do you take design cues from outside the fashion world?
I get inspired from what I see or hear around me every day such as art, culture, architecture, politics and nature. I don’t stick to one thing. I mix them together to be one story.
Last words?
I’m so excited to bring my womenswear collection to market.
As a designer, you put your all into your range and it’s been an incredible journey – one that I’m very proud of.
Who knows what’s next. I heard someone the other day comment that it would be great to own some CHULAAP homeware – watch this space. Connect with Chu on Instagram @chuSuwannapha