Duro Olowu

Duro Olowu who was named the winner of Best New Designer of the year at the British Fashion Awards in 2005, has become the latest designer to introduce a “signature” dress the hobo, which comes in bright colours hipple patterns and with a high waist. The British designer, is also a trained lawyer, whose father is a Nigerian and mother Jamaican, launched his label only 12 months before taking to the stage to collect his award from Laura Bailey.

First discovered by Vogue's Sally Singer and Julie Gilhart, of Barneys, Olowu is known for stunning fluid dresses, made from vintage fabrics that he finds all over the world as well as new prints that he's been designing himself, and incredibly desirable one-off, vintage-inspired accessories. "I like to make clothes for women to feel good about themselves," he goes on. "And that they don't feel they'll see everywhere." With a less-is-more philosophy and an admiration for Alber Elbaz ("because it's evident from his designs that he likes women"), Olowu, who formerly designed clothes for the boutique on Ledbury Road that he owned with his ex-wife, hopes one day to show on the catwalk - but for now is determinedly staying true to his design philosophy. "Good tailoring is very important to me," he says. "It is the basis of even the most fluid dress."

Indeed! I love the mix colour on the prints, very appealing, take a look!

"I think fashion should be joyful – it shouldn't dictate to women but it should invite them into the fantasy of the designer who is making them," says Duro.

For more on Duro olowu, visit www.duroolowu.com

(Photo Credits: Marco Madeira)