The exciting colourful Omar Salaam

Omar Salaam is the founder and head designer of Su Kei Na Fashion House. Born in Dakar, in the Republic of Senegal, his childhood was spent in various countries in Europe. As a child, Omar had a very colourful and exciting imagination which would later manifest itself in his designs and craftsmanship.

Recently on the Rock for the Collection MoDA fashion showcase earlier in September at the Sunken Gardens, Hope Gardens we managed to score an exclusive photoshoot with the designer to showcase a few pieces from his Spring Summer 2014 collection.

Shot at the posh and modernly accessorised Trident Hotel, we were also able to watch as the fashion designers showcased his attention to detail and his love of fashion. He started sewing at an early age, inspired after he saw his mother, Sukeina, stitched together different pieces of fabric and patterns.

Omar was also very fascinated with the power and intimacy of communication. When he came of age, a very young Omar decided to study screenwriting, with the hopes of one day getting into film. He later realised that he could tell more intricate and vibrant stories through fashion, after all "Clothing is a language within itself," as he always says.

Respect and love

In 2001, Omar started working for world-renowned French fashion designer Madame Sonia Rykiel. Starting off in sales, he would later be promoted to merchandising and finally became visual director for the New York City branch. Omar spent seven years with Rykiel and holds his time spent there with great respect and love, especially for the extraordinary designer who once told a manager to "Let Omar play ... it should remain a game."

In 2008, Omar decided to tempt fate and spread his wings by establishing his own fashion house. Su Kei Na, the namesake of his mother, is very unique. The colours are vivid while the fabrics are delicate, lush and elegant. His boldness is reminiscent of a young Gianni Versace, with the fineness and precision of
Valentino. Omar Salaam has fully engaged himself in his craft. His
creations are not made to highlight himself, but rather to celebrate
what we all enjoy about our bodies and life.

"I truly must be honest. I
want to dress people as they want to be. My clothes are made to move
with you. Without a body in them, they are nothing." Now a lover of
Jamaica, Salaam promises to be back for trunk shows in the future. He is
also working on a Diffusion line for Kerrymanwomanhome which will be in
stores come Spring 2014.

Here are a few style pics
from his Spring/Summer 2014 collection.

-
G.G.

CREDITS:

Photographer:
WADE RHODEN -
waderhoden.tumblr.com

Shoot
Location: Trident Hotel

Model :
Patasha
McLean

Make-up
by: Emily Newland

Clothing
available at:
Kerrymanwomanhome,

18
South Avenue, Kingston 10. Tel:
929-2096