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Fashion Special Africa’s Top 10 Male Fashion designers
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Zekaryas Solomon “A factor that Solomon says fuelled his desire to pursue
a career as a fashion designer was because he and his friends
often struggled to find clothes in styles to suit them, and to fit a naturally lean or athletic build.”
friends often felt as they struggled to find clothes in styles to suit them and to fit a naturally lean or athletic build. It was his vision to create clothes that could meet the demands of modern life, while expressing a sense of individuality. A dream that has come to fruition as Solomon was among a handful of designers selected to showcase their creations at the inaugural Africa Fashion Week London in August this year.
Solomon describes his label as a high-concept fashion
label comprising ready-to-wear and individual bespoke tailored garments for men and women. His favourite fabrics for his menswear are stiff linen, cotton and denim. Solomon says they give his style shape and make his creations look dynamic, voluminous and masculine. His recent X_Slim menswear collection was inspired by an Eritrean traditional costume. Solomon re-interpreted Eritrean wedding attire for men with an ingenious modern twist. The garment can be worn in several ways to vary the size, shape and visual impact of the finished look. For his womenswear, which are characterised by their versatility, simplicity and comfort, Solomon prefers silk and chiffon which he feels enable him to achieve the smooth, soft, feminine and curvy shapes he desires. Being constantly busy as he builds his repertoire in the
Z
ekaryas Solomon, Eritrean born and German raised, believes a dress is “never just a dress, but can be worn and styled in limitless ways. From a twisted, wrapped, or flipped look, where each garment becomes unique to the wearer.” As the man behind the brand, he draws
inspiration from his Eritrean heritage, re-interpreting traditional costumes with a futuristic, functional edge. An architect and artist by profession, which is evident in the structure of his designs, he harboured a secret passion for fashion for years until in 2009 he decided to follow his dream and went back to study at the London School of Fashion. Another factor that Solomon says fuelled his desire to pursue a career as a fashion designer was the frustration he and his
industry has not prevented Solomon noticing the work of his contemporaries. On the current state of the African fashion industry, he says: “I love the colourful printed fabrics and the diversity of traditional designs. In different corners of Africa there are amazing traditional outfits which I respect as they are. But I can talk about Eritrean traditional outfits more than I can Kenyan, Nigerian or South African because I have been researching the different ethnic fashion sense from my country. The only thing I’m not excited about is that designs are almost using the same cut and style. I would love to see more designers who are creating extravagant designs that are conceptual and experimental.” As for the future, Solomon has his sights on achieving some big
ambitions, such as setting up a business and opening his own flagship store. It his ultimate goal to develop an international brand. Belinda Otas
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