Vlisco puts its stamp on spring fashion

Introducing Dutch wax fabric experts Vlisco. Thanks to a string of new co-branding projects with iconic global labels, the textile manufacturing company established in 1846 has secured its place on this spring's fashion radar.

Last month, Vlisco fabrics and prints stormed the catwalk during Paris Haute Couture week by making an appearance at the Viktor&Rolf show. Mad flower-print A-line babydoll dresses by the Dutch designer label sampled Vlisco's highly graphic aesthetic to dramatic effect.

This season, Vlisco has also teamed up with Woolrich to put a new spin on the outfitter's essential military style parka. The water-resistant wax fabric jacket, which retails at 699 euros, comes in two brightly colored designs featuring a wax crackling effect.

A co-branding partnership with street-smart bag makers Eastpak is also in the pipeline.

Vlisco's batik-style, wax-dyed, and block-printed fabrics take two weeks to make and undergo no fewer than 27 treatments by hand or machine.

Vlisco's collaborations herald a new direction for the textile brand. Some of the latest designs in its Atelier Vlisco fashion range are stamped with pop-inspired motifs including shrimps and XXL tubes of toothpaste. The randomer the better!

As the Dutch company demonstrates a style-savvy knack for moving with the times, it hasn't forgotten its core West African market. The fabric manufacturer announced at the start of the month that it was offering African clients a Prêt-à-Couture service in its Boutiques in Ghana (Accra Mall & Westhills Mall). The premium tailoring service will also soon be available to customers in Togo, Benin, Ivory Coast and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Vlisco kicked off 2015 with a new brand campaign focusing on its intimate relationship with African women.

"For over 160 years, we have been the very fabric of life for many African women, present at all the special moments throughout life. This campaign shows the intimate bond between mother and daughter. With this campaign we hope to touch the hearts of our consumers and illustrate further how we are entwined in all their special moments in life," commented the brand in a media release.