Lookbook: Doing the polka

Laurence Airline's Spring Summer 2015 collection deftly balances graphic pattern with urban un-fussiness. Step into the urban jungle with our gallery of images.
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Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
Simple shapes keep the focus on the print in Laurence Airlines' latest range.
Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
“Cocotchéqué” mixes timeless pattern – polka dots, stripes and simple geometric motifs – with the straightforwardness of an urban wardrobe.
Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
The collection draws on contemporary sportswear and the optimism of 1960s Pop Art.
Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
The brand references the seductive chaos of a lush jungle with an agave leaf motif that pops up on tailored shirts.
Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
The Ivorian Chauvin-Buthaud has an exuberant sense of colour that never tends towards the flamboyant or garish.
Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
One of the prints debuting in the range is a papaya seeds pattern, "evoking the joys of endless summers".
Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
Polka dot patterns include a giant black and white print and a medium yellow against black version.
Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
“Placing pockets and trims in unexpected places, Laurence Chauvin-Buthaud moves away from the formality of menswear to invent a more creative and personal language,” the label announces.
Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
Understated details such as strategically placed pockets on a shirt add a clever twist.
Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
Other clever detailing includes patterned trims and faux lapels.
Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
Subtle but distinct details also include inset panels reminiscent of cowboy shirts.
Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
Although her garments usually have a unisex feel, Chauvin-Buthaud has made a conscious effort with this collection to cater to both sexes.
Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
Several styles, from carrot-shaped drawstring pants (pictured here) and patchwork shirts to boyfriend shorts and belted tunics, are designed to also appeal to women.
Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
A reworked tunic style is introduced for the first time within the line, to complement tailored shorts, trousers, and crisp shirts.
Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
The collection uses contrast in texture as well as pattern, mixing crisp honeycomb cotton and soft, fluid jersey knits.
Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
A heavyweight denim is used for tailored shorts.
Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
Laurence Airline has carved a strong presence for itself on the international fashion design circuit for its fresh approach to pattern, which is equal parts urban, classic and African.
Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
Waffle weave cotton and papaya seed print combine in this short-sleeved shirt.
Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
“The sleeveless tunic does, in fact, stand for the essence of the designer's approach,” the label tells us, “celebrating the strength of geometrical lines, the subtle charm of unisex clothes and the purity of essential shapes.”
Laurence Airline Spring Summer 2015 collection.
Laurence Airline's SS2015 catalog was photographed by Eddie Wrey and Laurence Chauvin-Buthaud and art directed by Philippe Galowich.
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Laurence Airline’s Spring Summer 2015 collection demonstrates once again why this African menswear label has quickly ratcheted up a cult following among Afrophile fashionistas. Ivorian designer Laurence Chauvin-Buthaud, operating between Abidjan and Paris, is a deft hand at balancing bold graphic pattern-on-pattern with clean silhouettes. The result is always a refreshing statement that sets itself apart from current Afrodizzy tastes. 

We present the catalog of her latest collection in an extensive gallery above.