Italian fashion and denim company Diesel, and its upcoming Africa-based and manufactured denim line EDUN, has partnered with Solange Knowles on a new creative venture called Studio Africa. The project kicked off on March 3, as Beyoncé’s younger sibling headlined the launch event in Paris.
Studio Africa and digital live show partner Boiler Room will work together to provide showcases for artists around the globe to promote Africa’s cultural and fashion diversity. Solange will be working with Studio Africa in an advocate capacity, serving as an ambassador for the project’s message that fashion and culture in the continent deserves some attention. Citing Africa as an influence in her own work, Solange pledged her support in a statement this month.
My love for African fashion, music and art runs deep to my core and has been a significant source of inspiration to me as an artist. I’m constantly being exposed to such innovative African talent so I’m excited that Diesel + Edun is celebrating that extraordinary creativity through Studio Africa and taking me along for the journey!
Studio Africa is also working with Okayplayer’s latest offshoot site, Okayafrica, who helps maintain the digital arena for the collaboration. Joining Solange is Ivorian designer Laurence Chauvin Buthaud, Congolese/South African musician Yannick Illunga, openly gay Moroccan writer Abdellah Taïa, Tanzanian model Flaviana Matata, Belgian-Congolese artist Baloji, Senegalese actor-model Sy Alassane, photography trio I See A Different You, South African photojournalist Uviwe Mangweni, and Zimbabwean designer Tanya Mushayi.
Diesel+EDUN will launch their 25-piece collection Spring 2013 and you can check out some photos of the aforementioned artist, designers, bloggers, etc. wearing clothing from the collection in the gallery. To learn more about Studio Africa, check out the video below and follow this link.
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Photos: Astrid Stawiarz/WireImage, Diesel + EDUN
