Education of emerging talent

Last year begun a purposeful collaboration between Orveda and the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation, dedicated to discovering the next generation of Fashion Talent. 

The inaugural winner of their first residency program is Luke Radloff, representing the burgeoning fashion landscape in South Africa.

Education of emerging talent

A PARTNERSHIP OF PURPOSE AND LOVE

Guided by their shared commitment to supporting art and creativity, Orveda and the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation aim to champion the fashion talents of tomorrow.
Luke Radloff, the inaugural winner, epitomizes the new generation of African fashion talent, challenging conventions and championing the values of craftsmanship.

Last November, the artist followed a privileged teaching program with a guided visit to the exhibition ALAIA/GRES and an immersion as a first approach within the Foundation’s archives, both historical and of Mr Alaïa, alongside the guidance of a mentor from the Parsons School in Paris.
Upon completing his residency program, Luke designed an exclusive capsule collection, to be showcased at the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation before making its way to Orveda Maisons worldwide.

LUKE RADLOFF, EMBRACING UNTOLD NARRATIVES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Born and raised in South Africa, Luke Radloff studied fashion design and immersed himself in the local industry before launching UNI FORM in 2019. His collection seeks to establish a deeper, more meaningful connection between the garment and wearer, emphasizing slow fashion manufacturing, handmade items, collaboration, and ethical practices.

Through UNI FORM, Luke Radloff narrates the untold stories of his country by creating timeless, gender-neutral garments.
The collection, rooted in quality and garment development, focuses on 'slow fashion' manufacturing, collaboration, and ethical practices, aiming to elevate Africa's design economy to international standards.

Radloff's designs draw inspiration from streetwear, translating it into seasonless pieces that defy trends. Rooted in timelessness, his creations, from large linen suits to wool dresses, embody a minimalist yet rich aesthetic.

THE CAPSULE COLLECTION'S INSPIRATION

Luke Radloff's collection is a tribute to indigenous South African craft, weaving traditional couture values through the unique lens of UNI FORM. It features handwoven cottons from the South African desert, knitted indigenous mohairs and wools, forged metallic accessories, and beaded accents. The collection aims to create a new kind of glamour, embracing organic silhouettes and natural textures, with each element of the process reflected in the final garments.

During his residency program, young designer Luke Radloff had the opportunity to dive into segments of the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation collections.
For several weeks, he studied the philosophy of the collections of the Foundation, and he immersed himself in the master's universe to, in turn, give birth to a collection of modern and streamlined silhouettes. From Azzedine Alaïa's native North Africa Tunisia to Luke Radloff's rejuvenated South Africa, African craftmanship is at the core.