Designer Paul Smith has launched a mentorship program via an capsule collection with London-based menswear brand Ahluwalia, founded by PriyaAhluwalia.
Supported by the Paul Smith Foundation, the program offers an authentic approach to creative partnerships with emerging and untapped talent, in a mentorship programs that nurture next generation designers.
Building on a long-standing friendship between Priya and Paul, the Ahluwalia&Paul Smith collection is an 11-piece limited-edition collection where two distinct creative minds meet.
The collection is a fashionable encounter of Smith’s bold check fabrics mixed with Ahluwalia’s seaming and paneling techniques. Collage creations that echoed the bright hues of imagery India and Nigeria, culled from Priya’s personal photo archive. While Paul’s love of sport is represented by references to vintage cycling paraphernalia. All mashed up with art from Studio One Records, images by graphic designer Ikko Tanaka and works by multidisciplinary artist Ernesto Cánovas.
Channeling sustainability, the collection utilizes surplus fabrics found in the Paul Smith archive, and new sustainable alternatives – 100 per cent organic cotton and yarns, biodegradable Lenzing Ecovero viscose and surplus jersey.
