Eurpoean and African influences inspire collections filled with joie de vivre

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, to a Nigerian father and a Jamaican mother, Duro Olowu was raised between Nigeria and England in an environment that embraced Nigerian and international culture, art, fashion and music.

From an early age, his enthusiasm for fashion was inspired by the unexpected mix of fabrics, textures and draping techniques of the clothing worn by the women that surrounded him. He was encouraged at an early age to sketch his ideas and to be interested in things hand-crafted with care and beauty.

Like his father before him, Olowu trained as a lawyer but later gave up a legal career to pursue his true vocation as a fashion designer.

In October 2004, he launched his first eponymous womenswear label with a collection for Spring/Summer 2005 inspired by "love and joy". It included the now signature "Duro dress" with its empire waist and billowing sleeves in vibrant mixed silk prints, which was hailed by both American and British Vogue as the dress of the year.

He won the coveted "New Designer of the Year" award at the British Fashion Awards 2005.

For Couture Lab, he has created a capsule collection of limited pieces including draped and pleated jackets and dresses in rare vintage printed silk satins, jacquards and chiffons by the renowned couture textile houses of Gandini, Abraham and Bianchini Ferrier.

They reflect Olowu's interpretation of international chic and joie de vivre, appealing to women who seek modern luxury for urban and resort wear.