On a recent trip to Barnes and Noble, I stumbled across the designs of one Max Osterweiss and found myself intrigued. In 2008, Osterweis launched a line known as Suno, which draws from Osterweis' experience gathering textiles from Kenya and working with Kenyan tailors. One of the things that immediately captivated me about Osterweis' line was his use of color and pattern to tell a story in his designs. Another more subtle tone, although still apparent, was Osterweis' commitment to the Kenyan culture. Osterweis' designs have a consistent bold feel to them that celebrates Kenya's heritage and traditions, while making them accessible to the Western consumer. I really love the richness of this brand and what it represents. Here's a quick excerpt from a 2009 interview Osterweis did with HandeyeMagazine:
H/E: Can you summarize the vision behind Suno for us?
MO: I’d like to create a visible and sustainable brand that produces high quality clothing out of Kenya while using and developing local talent. I was motivated to do something in Kenya after last year’s post-election violence, something that would help Kenya psychologically, economically, and cosmetically - in the sense that people from the outside would be able to appreciate and be introduced to a different side of Kenya.Osterweis' designs blend whimsy with elegance to create looks that make a statement. The styling on the Suno site reflects this approach, as many of the outfits mix patterns and palettes and pair already bold looks with vibrant accessories. Yet, the aesthetic feels approachable and fun. For a more everyday look, I imagine one of Osterweis' colorful skirts paired with a plain white tee and boots for a Friday night concert or one of his bright and cheery dresses with a simple ponytail and flats for a Saturday brunch with family friends. Regardless, i'm sold on Osterweis' intricate and interesting mix of colors and fabrics as well as his commitment to fostering Kenya's culture and economy.
