In an era of fast fashion and rapid trends, the garments from Soji Solarin stand out. Why? Because this Berlin-based fashion designer creates clothes that come with context. Having studied fashion and tailoring in California, Solarin’s latest Spring/Summer collection, Journey Just Come, is loosely informed by his own journey from Nigeria to America and then to Berlin in 2018. The influence of migration starts with the name of the collection, which comes from “Johnny just come”, a Nigerian saying from the city of Lagos to describe newcomers. It’s a theme you also see in the designs, which are inspired by photographs of Solarin’s family and friends that were taken in the first few days after they migrated to a new place. Solarin took the style elements from the clothes the people were wearing in the photos and incorporated them into his own designs.
The resulting men’s collection includes formal pieces as well as ready-to-wear casuals that feature both modern and classical influences: You see tie-dye tracksuits and straight leg jeans but also flared leg trousers and exaggerated shirt collars. Fresh touches collide with traditional forms and cuts found in fashion from the past – it’s 1970s flair combined with modern streetwear. The Berlin-designed collection is manufactured in the EU and can be ordered online. And by the way: womenswear is coming in the next collection, so keep an eye out.
Text: Lottie Mac / Photos: Matias Alfonzo
Soji Solarin
The collection is available for purchase in the online store and is due to be available via 50-m Store, Café Forgot, APOC store, & Congruent Space soon.
