Stella Jean: Pattern Play

Designer Stella Jean 's  riot of patterns showcases the versatility and graphic impact of west African textiles.

With Italian Vogue and Armani as her  key supporters, her work is enjoying industry-wide exposure.

Stella Jean Photo: Jonathan Frantini

Last summer Stella Jean, the 34-year-old half-Italian, half-Haitian fashion designer, was driving her car along a motorway in Italy when her phone rang. It was Sara Maino, the senior fashion editor at Italian Vogue whom she had come to know after winning 2011's Who's On Next, the fashion talent competition set up in 2005 by Italian Vogue and Alta Roma, an organisation that supports young talent.