Hazel Eki Aggrey-Orleans will be joining our #IYTalksGlobal masterclass at You Tube on Thursday 10th October 2013. She is the creative force behind the high-end London-based fashion-label Eki Orleans.
Born in Germany, raised in Nigeria and educated in London, her design aesthetic has been strongly influenced by this diverse mix of cultures. She draws inspiration from all of her cultural experiences, most notably, however, from her West African heritage. Growing up in the buzzing, chaotic and culturally diverse city of Lagos, Hazel first developed a love for the vivid and earthy colours of Africa.
While still pursuing a career in finance, she decided to follow her vocation and natural aptitude for textile and fashion design. Combining both artistic skills she launched her first fashion collection with her own fabric designs in 2009.
It is her outstanding and unusual talent for perfectly co-ordinated pattern and colour combinations that ultimately determines the styling of her day and evening dresses and co-ordinates. Where other fashion designers find fabrics to suit their visions of a dress, Hazel decides on the dress to suit her vision of a fabric design.
For inspiration and choice of subject the designer inevitably resorts back to her African roots. Her patterns tell stories reminiscent of childhood memories or are an interpretation of nature through her eyes.
Eki Orleans has been featured in many publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Drapers, The Financial Times, Arise, The Guardian, CNN, New African Woman, Le Figaro, The Washington Post, FAB, OK! Nigeria etc. We have showcased our designs in London, Paris, Lagos, Johannesburg and Cannes. Our dresses and scarves were stocked in Selfridges, and have been picked up by exclusive boutiques in Europe and in Nigeria.
“i naturally have a close bond to african culture and having travelled around the world, has led me to combine both my african roots with the rich cultural encounters i came across in my travels. this combination of both cultures has formed the basis of my collection. i am passionate about mixing and matching colours and i love nothing more than to make a stunning entrance. my collection accentuates the feminine, the brave and the sexy within all of us and it’s my mission to bring out the colourful goddess in every woman.”
Book your ticket:
www.iytalksglobal2.eventbrite.co.uk
