As a creative, there’s often a lot of pressure to perform, to create and to excite…it was clear to me that I needed to take time off to rediscover myself and the purpose for the brand
The Fashion Label Russell Solomon is making its comeback with a New Collection called “AFLOAT 20-20” – Acronym for “African Force Lifting Off And Thriving.” Russell Solomon is finally back. Back with pieces that commune with individuals who are unapologetic, thriving and hungry for new visualization. This collection is empowering with a sleek touch, using unexpected details and cuts to give each piece an individual identity. The fabrics’ earthy tones playfuly interact with nature, while contrasting with patterns, and modern neon-colorful twists. This collection is staying ahead of the curve and leaves you excited and challenged as a viewer.
Gabriel Ugochukwu is a Lagos-born and Abuja-based designer that started his fashion journey as a creative assistant for the Nigerian, Ghana, France-based label I AM ISIGO. His passion later led him to pursue his dream, which was to own his label. In December 2016, Gabriel decided to devote himself full-time to fashion and as designer, founded the label Russell Solomon. Following two successful collections, he emerged as one of the top five finalists for the annual Fets Wallet Fashion Focus Funds in collaboration with Lagos Fashion Week, giving him the platform to showcase his third collection, entitled “Code of Conduct”, in 2018.
Re-entering
There is something thrilling about a comeback when you’ve been waiting patiently but eagerly for your favorite designer to launch his new collection. You can almost sense that collection slowly cooking on the stove. Designer Gabriel Ugochukwu took some time off: to get refocused and to stay authentic to his designs. He wanted to ensure that his creations remained true to his brand and didn’t get carried away in the persistent wave of fast-food fashion.
He’s now openly sharing his struggles with maintaining his mental health after his breakthrough in the international fashion scene stating, “the most important thing is that you don’t sink into the pressure. That you can take time to discover or rediscover yourself and purpose.” And yes, it would be easy to get carried away when musicians like Patoranking and Reekado Banks and NBA stars are wearing your pieces on stage or the red carpet.
2020
2020 is a year filled with self-reflection; this is a rough year when we dig deep and resolve not to settle. We need new inspiration and new individuals that are leading by example. Therefore, I think it is very refreshing to see how Gabriel Ugochukwu is dedicating more time to self-care. On his Instagram, you can read “Find your Calm, Pause, Meditate.” We all need a pause to be able to see clearly. We are always in this hamster wheel, running in prescribed lanes. Reproducing structures in society without thinking about what effects those structures might have. Gabriel Ugochukwu chose an interesting year to make a comeback, not the easiest year but it may be the most real one. The year of the brave ones.
Mental Fashion
There is a paradox in the fashion industry, things must be authentic and intentional, but at the same time, designers need to launch a new collection every season, at the very least—twice a year. This equation does not make sense. The creative world is overflowing with pressure, and it is easy to get lost. Gabriel speaks of this as well:
“As a creative, there’s often a lot of pressure to perform, to create and to excite. After my showcase at Lagos Fashion Week 2018, it was clear to me that I needed to take time off to rediscover myself and the purpose for the brand.”
There is little conversation about these issues in the Fashion Industry, but we all know that they exist. Gabriel Ugochukwu reignites this conversation with his comeback, and hopefully this is a start for slow-cooked fashion. Sustainable fashion is the future, and the collection AFLOAT 20-20 is leading by example with conscious choices.
photography by RUKIE JUMAH @rukiejumah
creative direction/styling by GABRIEL UGOCHUKWU SOLOMON @by.ugo
photography assistant EDDY @iam_eddychris
set assistant KOJO GYEKYE
models AYO FREDRICK @didier.xx
AILRANG SMART @ailrang_
words HANNAH WENNERSTRÖM @hannahbwennerstrom
