EXCLUSIVE: Monday Fashion Feature – SADE SOLOMON

When I first met Sade in March 2012 at a poetry session in Johannesburg, I just knew I met someone special. She walked in, dressed in a bright, yellow blouse with a pair of jeans if I remember correctly, searched for a seat and as I watched in awe, she exuded an aura that spoke clarity and humility; purpose. She had a lasting smile on her face; she glowed, and a little voice inside of me said, go! I complimented her on how pretty she looked; we chatted up a storm thereafter and relocated our seating positions. I recall asking her where she was from because I could tell her accent was different; and when she said New York, my heart lit up – signs were evident that this was the beginning of great things to come. She told me about her clothing line which at the time she was going back to pursue. On that same day the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week was on – the atmosphere was hyped and every second person that walked passed was dressed for the occasion. Sade and I exchanged business cards for what would turn out to be an interview almost 2 years down the line J Serendipity much?

She loved my performance and told me that I was destined for bigger dreams. She also mentioned how coming to SA was destiny and that the universe was conspiring in her favour and that meeting beautiful people like myself that day was a clear indication that life would change for the better (and it has). I had my collection of handmade crafts that day and she purchased a few for herself and some to take back home to her friends and family, and boy, did she purchase. LOL Since then we kept in contact and I’ve been following her progress with regards to her clothing line, S/S 14 (Spring Summer 2014) and here she is telling us all about it: Her life, career, achievements, passions, loves, and loathes.

R V L: Tell me a bit about yourself. Where are you from? What is your education background? 

What are your general professional and non-professional interests?

Sade Solomon: I am a native of New York City, specifically the Bronx. I’ve lived in NYC the majority of my life. For 5 years I resided in State College, Pennsylvania where I completed my undergraduate degree.

I have a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from The Pennsylvania State University and Associate’s Degree in Fashion Design. Currently I am working full-time on building my brand and a platform for my design work and philanthropic efforts and creativity with my desire to help women find their purpose in life.

R V L: Lovely! J When did you realise you wanted to become a fashion designer?

Sade Solomon: After quitting my job as a foster care caseworker, I was unemployed for 6 months. During those six months I applied to over 60 different jobs in the social work field until one day I became distraught and discouraged. I remember that day very vividly; I was sitting at my computer and I heard a voice say, “You should start sewing”. Until this day I believe that God intervened in my life and began to push me into purpose. I subsequently set out on a mission to design 30 dresses in 30 days on a blog I named [a year before] “a-dress-a-day” (total divine intervention I tell you!) from blogging I began interning and on the first day of my internship I knew that fashion design would forever be a part of my life.

R V L: What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?

Sade Solomon: The first article of clothing that I designed, from what I can remember, was a drawstring, waist, linen, green skirt and top; it was hideous.

R V L: *Chuckles* what does fashion and style mean to you?

Sade Solomon: Being YOURSELF! Exuding CONFIDENCE!

Sade with Beyonce's stylist at MBFW

 R V L: How long does it take you to actually construct a piece of clothing?

Sade Solomon: Depending on what I am constructing and what it’s for, I can make a garment in one day.

R V L: Nice! How would you describe your city’s fashion?

Sade Solomon: After coming to South Africa in March, I’ve realised that the normal street style in NYC is very BLACK and MUNDANE. The “typical New Yorker”, who has any interest in fashion, can be seen in an all-black number with a killer designer handbag and shoes to match. The real fashion lovers come out during FASHION WEEK where you can see an array of different styles.

R V L: How long have you worked as a designer?

Sade Solomon: I began working on my first collection in April 2013 and launched the collection in October. So I’ve been officially a designer for 6 months.

R V L: Where do you get your inspiration?

Sade Solomon: I draw inspiration from ANYWHERE. When I sit down to compile the direction for my collection, I usually start by looking at hundreds of “Street Style” images. But as a creative being, I do not limit myself when I design. I research various cultures, music, design styles, vintage garments, etc.

R V L: Do you consider yourself an artist and why?

Sade Solomon: I am an ARTIST. Design is an art form and the woman’s body is the canvas.

R V L: Do you prefer sketching designs or actually constructing them?

Sade Solomon: I prefer sketching, although I’m not the best at it!

R V L: What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?

Sade Solomon: A good quality article of clothing has pristine finishing on the inside and an amazing fit.

R V L: What is your favourite part about conceptualising a design?

Sade Solomon: I enjoy research and design, fabric and colour story development.

R V L: How would you describe your personal style?

Sade Solomon: I don’t think I have a very definable personal style. I wear what I like and I think looks good. I always get compliments on my outfits, so I must be doing something right!

R V L: How would you define the style your line exemplifies?

Sade Solomon: My S/S 14 line is very youthful, chic, fun, and sporty with a bit of edge.

S/S 14 Summer Collection

R V L: What are your favourite colours to work with and why?

Sade Solomon: I don’t limit myself on colour range. I have a very amazing ability to create beautiful colour stories.

R V L: What are your favourite fabrics to work with and why?

Sade Solomon: I love technical fabrics such as neoprene, vinyl, and PVC as a well as great wools, crepes, printed leathers, quilted fabrics and knits.

R V L: What are some of your fashion goals?

Sade Solomon: My long-term goals are not only fashion-oriented. My desire I to be a business owner! I have many new endeavours on the horizon. Ultimately, I want to live a life that inspires others and pushes them to out on faith and live a life they’ve only imagines.

R V L: How can readers buy your clothes?

Sade Solomon: I suggest that readers keep up-to-date with my Instagram: @Its_Sade and facebook: /ItsSadeSolomon for release dates.

R V L: What do you dislike about designing clothes?

Sade Solomon: I love everything about designing; however some things can be quite frustrating.

R V L: What other experience do you have in the fashion industry?

Sade Solomon: I’ve stretched myself a lot since making this career change. I’ve worked backstage at numerous fashion shows, interned for an independent design house as a designer’s assistant, worked as a PR Assistant/NY Agent for a well-known make-up brand, interned in production for a high-end fashion house, and interned at a non-profit fashion organisation for three years. During the month of February I will begin teaching a 6-week intensive design course for students of United Colours of fashion’s STAND PROGRAM (unitedcolorsoffsashion.org)

R V L: Where can readers find out more about you and your work?

Sade Solomon: Website: www.sadesolomon.com

                    Inquiries: info@sadesolomon.com

                    Twitter: @ItsSadeSolomon

Photographer: Norman Cacho, Hair Stylist (for models) by Shaneek Steele, Makeup Artist: Janae Gibbs and Models: Aube Jolicoeur, Carina Smith and Sabrina Goldsmith.

The synchrony of this interview, total bliss, really enjoyed doing it. Thank you, Sade for allowing us the time to speak to you.

(We’d like your thoughts on this interview, please add your comments at the bottom and follow us @RVL__)