LADISLAS MANDE / LAD/ - EMOTIONAL ELEGANCE

What is your mindset approaching this season ?
This season is all about freedom, movement and emotional elegance. I thought of the Summer 2027 collection around the idea of escape – not as a flight from reality, but as a way of breaking free from limitations. I wanted the collection to be both light and structured, sensual and controlled. A constant dialogue between softness and power runs through the silhouettes. This collection builds on the LAD/ aesthetic, but with greater maturity, confidence and clarity. It evokes travel, memories, music and the emotional energy of summer.

What sets it apart from the previous collection?
The previous collection was more introspective and more structured. This season’s collection is intended to be more open, fluid and liberated. The silhouettes are airier, the layering is lighter and the overall atmosphere is warmer. There is also an emphasis on sensuality and movement. We have explored more fluid silhouettes, more relaxed proportions, lightweight fabrics and pieces that come to life when worn. It is less about protection and more about self-expression.

Why is summer a special moment for you ?
Summer has always held a special emotional meaning for me. It’s a season when people become more carefree, freer and more in touch with themselves. There is more spontaneity, more intimacy, and life unfolds more outdoors. I also associate summer with travel, music, family and my memories of Congo. The light, the colours, the rhythm of the streets: all of this deeply influences the way I create.

Do you have a holiday memory you’d like to share?
One of my most vivid memories is from my childhood in Kinshasa: the ever-present music, the laughter, the warmth, and the natural elegance with which people dressed, even in the simplest moments of everyday life. There was a beauty in the atmosphere itself. These memories have taught me that style is not just about luxury; it is also a question of spirit and attitude.

What are your influences and inspirations ?
My inspiration comes from a wide range of sources: Congolese rumba, tailoring, travel, architecture, photography, cinema and ordinary people. I am deeply inspired by the elegance of Congolese culture and the emotional power of music. Artists such as Papa Wemba and JB Mpiana have influenced my vision of elegance and presence, while figures such as JAY-Z and Nas have fuelled my sense of ambition and storytelling. I also draw inspiration from cities such as Kinshasa, Paris, Tokyo and Milan, as well as from the constant tension between tradition and modernity.

What is your favourite place in Paris currently ?
I enjoy strolling along the Left Bank early in the morning, particularly around Saint-Germain-des-Prés. There is something timeless about Paris when it is quiet. I also really like places where you can people-watch without being disturbed: cafés, hotel lobbies, art galleries. Paris is one of the few cities where elegance is still part of everyday life.

What role does craftsmanship play in this collection?
Craftsmanship lies at the heart of everything we do. For this particular collection, we have paid extra attention to the construction, proportions and finishes, bringing together some of the finest artisans from Japan and Italy. The suits are crafted from rare Japanese fabrics sourced from dormant stocks dating back to the 1990s, chosen for their character, texture and authenticity. The silhouettes draw inspiration from traditional Savile Row tailoring, reinterpreted with a more flexible and relaxed approach. The jackets are unstructured, with no shoulder pads or interlining, and are often unlined to allow the beauty and movement of the fabric to come into their own. The precision of the tailoring, the movement of the fabrics and the way a garment drapes over the body are, in my view, essential details. Luxury is not just visual; it is also a sensation you feel when wearing a piece.

How do you balance tradition and innovation? Could you give us a few examples?
I believe that the future is stronger when it honours its roots. LAD/ combines traditional tailoring techniques with contemporary silhouettes and styles. Crafted from lightweight cotton and linen blends, the pieces feature openwork construction, intricate jacquard patterns and silhouettes inspired by 1970s menswear. The long button plackets at the front and cropped hems are carefully proportioned to complement our signature high-waisted trousers. We reinterpret the classic suit through more fluid proportions, unexpected layering and lightweight constructions inspired by movement and travel. We also added Congolese cultural sensibilities into a contemporary language of luxury, without ever veering into costume or folklore. For me, innovation is not about abandoning tradition, but about developing it further.

Where do you seek refuge during heatwaves?
Near water, music and silence. A refuge can be physical, but sometimes it is emotional too. I can find peace in a quiet room, in a song, or simply by sketching out ideas late at night.

What is your favourite destination?

The Congo will always be my emotional home, but I am also greatly inspired by Italy and Japan. Italy for its sensuality, craftsmanship and elegance; Japan for its discipline, precision and attention to detail. I am inspired by places that have a strong identity and a genuine culture.

What is your current vision for Congo?

I see the Congo as one of the greatest creative and cultural powers of the future. The country is brimming with talent, beauty, intelligence and energy. My vision is of a Congo that creates, transforms and tells its own story to the world not only through its resources, but also through its culture, fashion, music, art, technology and innovation.

This interview has been lightly edited. 

L.B