KOUA STUDIO Launches Acapulco:

Erika Alvarez’s new handbag collection pays homage to Acapulco and the artisan traditions of Mexico

Straight from the golden age of glamour, the Pacific Coast resort of Acapulco has taken a starring role at London Fashion Week with the launch of the much-anticipated new handbag collection with important social message, from KOUA Mexico.

Acapulco – Waves of Change, is a fusion of Mexican heritage, sustainability, and social empowerment. The collection, designed by KOUA Mexico and KOUA Studio founder, Erika Alvarez debuted with a Celebration of Latin Art and Design, in collaboration with the Colombian fashion brand, Anciela.

Acapulco – Waves of Change is more than a fashion statement. It represents a movement that embraces sustainable practices and leadership, including the use of vegan leather made from pineapple, recycled cotton given new life on a pedal loom by artisans in Oaxaca and fabrics naturally dyed, recycled, or handcrafted by artisans from Oaxaca and Guerrero – where Erika’s family heritage has its roots.

Each of the 10 exquisite bags is a love letter to the crafts and traditions of Mexico, brought to life with a colorful and vibrant celebration of Latin culture in the UK’s fashion capital.

The designer sought inspiration in Acapulco, a beach city located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, known for its beautiful shoreline and for being the favorite spot of glamorous celebrities during Hollywood’s Golden Age in the 60s.

The curated presentation at London Fashion Week gave further insight into Erika’s mission to bring together fashion designers who are passionate about sustainability, and the preservation of tradition, to create garments that interweave beautiful storytelling with expert craftsmanship.

The Colombian sustainable fashion, Anciela is the first to join the movement with the development of a unique shirt using fabric from textile house KOUA Studio’s recycled line, which was on show during the event. Sylki a UK-based women’s accessories brand run by a Brazilian mother, Eloneida and her daughter Eloane who design and make their garments in their own studio in London also partnered.

Speaking at the event, CEO Erika Alvarez commented, “I’m so excited to release my new collection. Acapulco – Waves of Change. It not only portrays childhood memories I had in the most famous seaside spot in Mexico, it tells the story of how this place have been impacted by environmental and social issues in the recent years.

“I know I can’t turn back time, but I can help to bring about change with my initiative encouraging designers to create a unique collection with my textiles. In this way, I hope to not only contribute to the artisan economy and the cultural preservation of their designs and techniques, but to also close the gender gap by empowering women fashion entrepreneurs and helping them to reach new markets, together.”

The London Fashion Week presentation was a true celebration of Latin culture, fashion and music. It included a panel discussion focused on Latin entrepreneurship in London and a live performance by London- born Rosa Cecilia, an independent artist of Chilean-Italian heritage. Guests were served canapés and drinks using Ruta Maya rum and Tequila Don Ramon. It was held at Monmouth Kitchen, an elegant Peruvian-Italian restaurant in the heart of London. Guests were gifted Collagen Superdose, a daily supplement to nourish the skin, hair, nails and joints.

The Acapulco – Waves of Change collection is available to buy from 01 October.

For more information, visit www.kouastudio.com or https://koua-mexico.com

Image credit: Lauren Cremer