ethiopia

F A S H I O N : ROCKERS UPTOWN HAT

May 10, 2016

We have been meaning to post this for a few months now and have finally got a chance to do so. There are iconic movies, there are iconic furniture pieces, but when it comes to hats…. You’ll have to go a long way to find a more iconic and totally ignored hat. These guys are designers and Makers of custom made Rockers Uptown Hats.

If you are to stand out and spend money then you have to go bespoke get a hat that fits you not one that has to bend to suit. From Aswad – Boy Gorge – Gregory Issacs – YOU. Connect via TWITTER

FEATURED: Zekaryas Solomon – FASHION

August 23, 2014

This our fourth FEATURED post as we look at future stars and this time we travel to the UK and London via Eritrea.

The guy who has the audacity to make such must have clothing for men is Zekaryas Solomon.

Having been named as one of Africa’s Top 10 Male Designers, as well as being awarded both the Fashions Finest Menswear Designer of the Year and the BEFFTA Best Male Designer 2012, Zekaryas Solomon continues to thrive as a London based, Bespoke fashion designer.

The end of 2012 saw Solomon as guest of honour at FAFA’s Fashion for Peace Gala held in Kenya. Moving into 2013 with the introduction of the first Womenswear collection. Taking part in the Ethno Tendance showcase in Brussels saw the incorporation of accessories, with bags becoming a prominent feature within the Spring/Summer ‘14 collection.

Eritrean born and raised in Germany, Solomon has been creating quite a buzz since his graduation from the London College of Fashion in 2010. With his background originally in Architecture and Design he launched his first menswear collection entitled ME and his second Rouge Et Noir.

Not content with turning menswear upside down on it’s head. Solomon launched his first women’s collection in summer 2013 and now continues to work on the convergence of his men’s and women’s collections to create a Fifth. His designs have been featured in numerous magazines like Sublime, LEONID, FAB, New African Woman and ELEM to mention a few.

When not working from his studio in North Grenwich, he manages to find time to teach students pattern cutting techniques plus garment technology and also teaches Tigrinya and Eritrean language to Bachelor, Master and PhD students of unfamiliar languages at Queen Mary’s University, London. Does he ever sleep!!

As we write he is preparing a show as part of the Eritrean Festival Scandinavia in Stockholm where he’ll be showcasing his limited collection womenswear and menswear, plus accessories. Then an exhibition in September at the Oxo Tower as part of design week. This just one of the ways you can cast an eye over his collection as well as of course his website where you can place orders to purchase bespoke and ready-to-wear garments.

We caught up with Zekaryas and asked him a few questions:

WITH MUSIC PLAYING SUCH A BIG ROLE IN FASHION WHO HAVE YOU OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH?

In terms of artists, I like to work with upcoming performers who approach me to wear my collections. For example, I collaborated recently with the singer, dancer, performer, Michael Moonchild who has worn my garments for his videos and performances. See video here:

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?

In terms of inspiration, I actually dream all my designs. I suppose you could say that I’m living out my dreams through my fashion! They are expressions of my own imagination. I see all my garments in 3D in my mind and I see how the finished product should be. I imagine the colours, fabrics and finishes even, and then from these I create a whole collection that evolves as I bring it to life in the studio.

HOW EASY IS IT TO GET STARTED IN FASHION ANY STRUGGLES ALONG THE WAY?

Being a young designer you face a lot of challenges. Starting a business from scratch and having to learn all that goes with that has been the hardest thing I think. Being a designer and a creative person is just a part of it….it takes a whole lot more to actually start a business! I’m a pretty happy person so I don’t think I would say I have had to face any struggles to get here. However, if I do ever need a pick me up, there is a song that really inspires me. It takes me to another place where I feel so creative! See if it works for you too here:

Connect now before you fall out of style:

www.zekaryassolomon.com
http://www.notjustalabel.com/zekaryas_solomon

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f a s h i o n : the original david

June 17, 2014

As the name states, this shit is original. It’s taken us far too long to feature this label, but we’re sure it’s worth the wait.

With already an amazing line and an even more amazing following from kool kids to rappers and actors DC’s Rakiyt Zakari should be proud of what started out as a hard slog to something beautiful. Hand sew with attention to detail it’s lines like these which keep fashion houses in check and sweet stuff across our chests.