African Prints Are Hot and So Is Osei-Duro

MADAME NOIRE: In one word, how would you describe Osei-Duro?

Mathias: Constructive

MN:Being from Canada originally, how were you introduced to West Africa?

Mathias: I had a wonderful friend living in Accra and I went to visit. I traveled from Ghana to Morocco overland on my own and grew to love West Africa!

MN: Where does your inspiration for the cuts and silhouettes come from?

Mathias: Everywhere

MN: African prints are BIG this summer, why do you think the style is gaining attention?

Mathias: This is a good question. Prints, in general, are making a come-back as fashion moves into the 90’s again. I also think there is more awareness and interest in Africa right now, which could in part prompt the trend in prints.

MN: How will your collections withstand the trend wave?

Mathias: We are moving away from the wax prints and are moving more into textile design, we are currently working with a dyer, and a crocheting husband and wife duo. I was heavily into textile design before I arrived in Accra and am excited to continue more with our own aesthetic.

MN: Who are your fashion role models?

Mathias: Hmmm, I don’t really have many, more friends from the industry: Clayton Evans from Complexgoemetries, Jen Gilipin from Don’t Shoot the Messengers.