Inspired by glamorous Acapulco, KOUA Studio Acapulco – Waves of Change brings heritage and sustainable practices to the Capital's event of the year.
About "Acapulco – Waves of Change" by KOUA Studio: The Concept
Acapulco – Waves of Change, is a fusion of Mexican heritage, sustainability and social empowerment. The collection, designed by KOUA Mexico and KOUA Studio (link to www.kouastudio.com) founder Erika Alvarez, debuted with a Celebration of Latin Art and Design, in collaboration with the Colombian fashion brand, Anciela.
For its inception, Erika Alvarez sought inspiration in Acapulco, a beach city located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, known for its beautiful shoreline and for being the favourite spot of glamorous celebrities during Hollywood’s Golden Age in the '60s.
Acapulco – Waves of Change: Sustainability And Sartorial Touches
Each of the 10 exquisite bags is a love letter to the crafts and traditions of Mexico, brought to life with a colourful and vibrant celebration of Latin culture in the UK’s fashion capital.
Acapulco – Waves of Change is more than a fashion statement for Erika Alvarez. It represents a movement that embraces sustainable practices and leadership, including the use of vegan leather made from pineapple, recycled cotton given new life on a pedal loom by artisans in Oaxaca and fabrics naturally dyed, recycled, or handcrafted by artisans from Oaxaca and Guerrero, where Erika’s family heritage has its roots.
About KOUA Mexico and KOUA Studio by Erika Alvarez
KOUA Mexico was founded by Erika Alvarez in 2014 as part of her vision to build a more sustainable, inclusive and equitable future. The original project has been accompanied by KOUA Studio since 2021, the brand founded in London in response to the climate and biodiversity crises highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
KOUA Studio and KOUA Mexico offer bespoke handmade textiles produced with a positive environmental and social impact by providing economic opportunities and social benefits to the indigenous people of Mexico. KOUA Studio aims to mend the fashion industry system with meaningful connections and collaborations with fashion designers and brands.
Fashion Designers Together For Sustainability At London Fashion Week
The curated presentation at London Fashion Week gave further insight into Erika’s 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.
Anciela, a Colombian sustainable fashion brand, is the first to join the movement with the development of a unique shirt using fabric from textile house KOUA Studio’s recycled line, which was on show during the event. Sylki, a London-based women’s accessories brand run by Eloneida and Eloane, a Brazilian mother and daughter duo, also partnered.
Speaking at the event, CEO Erika Alvarez commented: “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, but it also tells the story of how this place has been impacted by environmental and social issues in 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.”
The Acapulco – Waves of Change handbag collection will be available to purchase from the 1st of October. To know more about the launch, visit KOUA Studio's official website.
