We are excited to hear more from this made in Africa brand who we featured previously (see here) and want to introduce you once more to them.

OSEI-DURO, designed and produced in Ghana, West Africa is pleased to announce their AW12 collection “Form and Content,” presented in a dreamy editorial spread with model Mary Pearson, photographed by Sarah Soquel Morhaim and styled by Michelle Tomaszewski.

Founded by Maryanne Mathias and Molly Keogh, OSEI-DURO aligns traditional cottage textile techniques with contemporary apparel design.  Maryanne Mathias, an independent designer and marketing teacher from Vancouver, Canada; and LA based costume stylist Molly Keogh created the label as a one-time experiment of design and production in a completely unknown place:  The line is designed and produced in Ghana, West Africa using sustainable production modes that support local artisans as well as promote women’s training and development. They both have high regard and a love for quality details, unusual and uncommon textiles, and above all clothing that makes you feel good. This underlying beliefs are what links them together.

Osei-Duro is a Twi name (Ghanaian dialect). Osei meaning noble or honourable, and Duro which comes from Oduro, which means medicine, or magic. You could then call it as they put it “honourable or noble medicine”

This season’s collection was inspired by the earthly elegance of some of their favorite women of style.  The line features hand-painted silks in abstract prints reminiscent of artist Sonia Delaunay’s dynamic textile designs.  The use of crochet and other hand-woven details gives a nod to the easygoing late 1970s styles of their hippy moms.  All in all, the collection strikes a balance of unusual textures and clean shapes resulting in garments that are boldly feminine yet wholly wearable.  All pieces are handmade, and feel very much one-of-a-kind.

Osei Duro AW12_image by Sarah Soquel Morhaim

Osei Duro AW12_image by Sarah Soquel Morhaim

Osei Duro AW12_image by Sarah Soquel Morhaim

Osei Duro AW12_image by Sarah Soquel Morhaim

Osei Duro AW12_image by Sarah Soquel Morhaim

Osei Duro AW12_image by Sarah Soquel Morhaim

Osei Duro AW12_image by Sarah Soquel Morhaim

Osei Duro AW12_image by Sarah Soquel Morhaim

OSEI-DURO is particularly proud of these latest images because it brings together three gifted artists whose talents they love and admire.  Model Mary Pearson is half of the experimental electronic band High Places, whose ethereal, hypnotic dance music with hauntingly terrestrial visuals is performed in venues as disparate as the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Berlin’s legendary Berghain nightclub.  The work of photographer/filmmaker Sarah Soquel Morhaim has appeared in international publications such as W, New York Magazine, Vogue Australia, and Vice, and her short films have screened at the Sundance Film Festival and AFI Fest among others. Celebrity stylist Michelle Tomaszewski’s love for fashion began in childhood. Starting at 16, she modeled for more than a decade, working in NYC, & living abroad in France, Italy, Japan, Australia, & Argentina. She has been styling an array of clients, from pop stars to the NASDAQ, ever since.