Mansour Martin – Spring/Summer 2022 Collection

The swimming pool is the heart of the city in summer and brings people together. A real societal crossroads where, “in the same bath”, in a swimming costume, we are all equal. This universe offers many stories from which the designers were inspired.
It features a swimming team wearing uniforms with their club logo, embroidered by the Ibaba workshop in Rwanda. Lightweight poplin for the hooded shirts, and water-repellent blue recycled polyester for the windbreakers. Wide trousers, some with multiple pockets, are paired with fitted jackets. Sienna, sky or beige colours echo the peaceful atmosphere of American pool houses. Uniforms made entirely of satin are reminiscent of lifeguards’ uniforms. They have been sophisticated for the occasion. Hybrid garments in virgin wool are wrapped around the body like a bath towel. The bathing cap is also hand-sewn.

The two Belgian designers approached the Ibaba embroidery workshop in Rwanda to create pieces based on the design of an aquatic dinosaur, the symbol of an imaginary swimming club. This embroidery workshop, located in the village of Rutongo, is a project run by women. It supports local economic development through the activity of the embroiderers. The workshop is built around a model of solidarity enterprise, which allows the development of women’s empowerment in African society and the protection of the workshop’s historical know-how.