Loza Maléombho
Born in Brazil and brought up in both Côte d'Ivoire and the US, Loza began designing at the age of 13. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia in 2006, she decided to launch her own brand after working as an intern for prominent New York City fashion designers.
The best way to characterise Loza Maléombho, which was founded in New York City in 2009 and moved to Côte d'Ivoire in 2012 where its production is now conducted, is as a link between traditional African aesthetics and modern fashion. Silhouettes created in the Loza Maléombho style reflect the tension between tradition and modernity.
Working with artisans (shoemakers, weavers, and bronze workers) who have mastered their skill for decades, Loza Maléombho infuses their craft into each of her pieces.