Fvh X LM MOHAIR KNITWEAR

A collaboration by South African designers Frances van Hasselt & Leandi Mulder.

Frances aims to grow the South African textile industry by developing bespoke mohair end-products which help create employment and preserve tradition craftsmanship in rural communities.

Leandi Mulder, a fashion designer trained in Durban & Beijing focuses on sustainable practices and unique textile construction.

The two have had a long-standing friendship, with a shared interest in textiles, innovative, sustainable design and South African mohair. This has led them on a journey of creating a knitwear collection that aims to inspire a new reverence around the potential of mohair.

inspiration

The FVHxLM Collection is inspired by the Karoo and its natural landscapes. Every piece is a representation of the veld, people, places and spaces that fold into the essence of this desert scape.

One cannot look or wear these pieces without being acutely aware of the uniqueness of the yarn and the way it’s constructed; ultimately making the wearer conscious of the process behind the piece.

THE PROCESS IS entirely HANDMADE BY RURAL ARTISANS USING THE FINEST QUALITY SOUTH AFRICAN MOHAIR

the process

Frances and Leandi believe that it is time to start creating bespoke, artisanal products locally. They focuss on combining the strengths and over-looked skills that are unique to the South African textile industry.

South Africa is home to mohair the world over, both as a production and processing centre. The FVHxLM Collection benefitiates this uniquely African raw fibre through a completely local supply chain. They worked with a team of highly skilled women in remote areas of the country using traditional methods to hand spin, dye and knit each piece.