Renaissance Men SA: Designer Profile: Laurenceairline by Laurence Chauvin Buthaud

I recently made mention that I’m on this awesome journey of self- and African discovery. Another gem I recently found, well, I found out about this menswear brand weeks ago but it had slipped my mind. And then while stalking my favourite blogs, I was reminded of this awesome clothing line.

Laurenceairline.

Laurenceairline is a small Paris-based menswear label. Founded less than a year ago, the label has managed to put together two collections thus far and has turned up the heat on menswear fashion on a global front.

I’m always a bigger fan of menswear brands form Africa if they are based in Africa, however, Laurenceairline is churning out designs I wish to own, so I’ll overlook their HQ base and cling on to the fact that the designer, Laurence Chauvin Buthaurd, was born in Ivory Coast.

The clothing line is not exactly your typical African tribal print type of design style. It’s more of a reinterpretation of what seems and feels African and is then paired with modern design and sleek tailor work. The brand also boasts an entirely ethical manufacturing process by hosting their production workshop in Ivory Coast, training locals and hiring them to make-up the garments for retail.

I won’t bog you down with too many details, just know that thanks to a chance encounter with male “blufunk” musician, Keziah Jones, who commissioned Laurence to make him an outfit for an upcoming show, Laurenceairline would not be what and where it is today.