Design Stories - Lezanne Viviers
This is a paragraph. It is connected to a CMS collection through a dataset. Click “Edit Text” to update content from the connected collection.
Lezanne Viviers Threads together Identity, Memory, and Sustainability in Fashion
In this episode of Design Stories, South African fashion designer Lezanne Viviers shares her journey from a tomboy growing up in a galvanizing factory where her father worked, to becoming the founder of the avant-garde Viviers Studio in Johannesburg. Her story is one of self-discovery, cultural exploration, and a commitment to sustainable fashion.
Viviers' early life was marked by a fascination with clothing as a means of self-expression. This early understanding of clothing's power to convey identity laid the foundation for her future in fashion.
After studying fashion at the Elizabeth Galloway Academy in Stellenbosch, Viviers moved to Johannesburg, seeking a city that reflected the diverse realities of South Africa. There, she interned with renowned designer Marianne Fassler, eventually becoming her creative director. This period was instrumental in shaping her design philosophy, blending artistic expression with a deep respect for craftsmanship.
In 2019, Viviers launched her eponymous label, Viviers Studio. Today, the brand is known for its conceptual, earth-conscious clothing, crafted from luxurious South African materials and upcycled vintage fabrics. Viviers' designs challenge traditional gender norms and celebrate the dualities within identity, offering clients a personalized, co-creative wardrobe-building experience.
In this podcast, Viviers discusses the global fashion industry's challenges, particularly the environmental impact and the need for more sustainable practices.
'The global fashion industry is built on secrecy,' she remarks with deep concern. For Viviers and her brand, the truth behind the provenance and origins of materials is a crucial part of the story. She also emphasizes the importance of supporting local artisans and using available resources creatively, turning limitations into opportunities for innovation.
Viviers' approach to fashion is not just about clothing; it's about storytelling, community, and reimagining the future of design. Her work invites us to consider how fashion can be a force for positive change, reflecting our identities and values while honouring the planet.