Lisou

As with more than a few unique and distinctive companies who stand alone amongst their contemporaries, Lisou was founded by Rene Macdonald out of necessity : a company designed to fulfil a gap in the market that previously didn’t really exist. Unenthused by an endless carousel of fabrics in greys and browns, and bored with one party too many in a little black dress, Lisou’s London-living founder Rene Moshi Macdonald decided to bring some of the vibrant colour clashes of her homeland Tanzania: injecting fun and joy into the wardrobes of women with her own elegant, colourful designs! The Lisou collection is full of wearable, classic shapes with a modern twist and are made from the finest silks. All prints are designed in-house by Rene, which makes every Lisou print exclusive.

INSPIRATION NOTES FOR CURRENT COLLECTION: The ‘Empire’ collection explores an impactful part of African history. It is a record of past events depicted through a lens of hope. As a designer of my own prints, this is my interpretation of turbulent historic times. It is neither a judgement nor a statement of anger but rather a documentation of the past. The AfroCamo print is a unique camouflage print hand-drawn using the shapes and silhouettes of all the African countries, which you might see if you look hard enough. Intricately woven together and outlined in gold, symbolising unity and heritage. The faceless woman represents the countless unknown faces of those who endured oppression. The women are set against a backdrop of Lisou’s Hanging Gardens of Babylon, showing the marvel and resilience of mankind as well as referring to its oppressors. The focus this season has been on shades of green and purple. Greens representing the land and purple a signifier of royalty. Finally the winged heart prints are an optimistic evolution of hope, love, learning and change. The collection features embroidered velvets, puffer jackets and jersey dresses, while all off-cuts will be made into accessories contributing to our target of zero waste. We hope you love our creations as much as we do. Africa this is the dawning of a new Empire! Rene Moshi Macdonald Founder & Creative Director Wholesale E: wholesale@lisou.co.uk Photo credit: Lisou