Russell Solomon (based in Abuja, Nigeria) is a revolutionary menswear religion luxury brand born out of a love for antique and fine luxury with a modern feel. Inspired by the need to seek the best living condition, yet affordable. At Russell Solomon, each piece is original with its own story of how it was created and where it started, bringing owners a part of the brand’s lifestyle and history along with each piece.

Russell Solomon understands men’s fashion is a form of self-expression, allowing men to distinguish themselves. Russell Solomon stands to create ageless sophisticated affordable men’s luxury clothing and accessories. Russell Solomon pieces are unique, all pieces share a connection to a story. The lifestyle and brand’s story is shared in the product description accompanying each piece of our clothing.

Our team has interviewed him about some personal questions, African fashion industry, and Fashionomics Africa initiative. Hope you find it interesting. Don't miss his answers below:

Thank you so much for receiving us, would you mind telling us a bit about your background and why did you decide to be involved in the fashion industry?

From when I was 5, I lost a lot of privileges due to the downturn of events in my dad's career. As a family, we had a lot of struggles, and as a little boy, I reacted the way I knew best. I withdrew a lot, told many lies to create the impression we weren't broke. I got bullied as a teenager a little more than the average kid, but I survived and decided that I'll turn it to my advantage. I had so much passion for clothes as much as my parent could afford. I'll always be caught deconstructing my clothes and shoes or remodeling them. I decided to fashion it is, cause at some point I couldn't find myself enjoying anything else except putting clothes together or trying to refix them. I loved it. So during University days, I started out as an assistant to a designer, went on to carve a styling career for the longest part of my fashion career so far before taking up a menswear director role with a design company and then to this point where I felt it's time to launch this brand.

In your opinion, what is your achievement until today that you are most proud of and why? 

That is barely one year of launching Russell Solomon, we have made such an impression in the market with barely anything compared to the figures we put together at the conception stage. Major features with publication giants and a fashion week in Addis Ababa and a trusting clientele. So far so good.

As a person running a business, what are some skills or attributes that you have found to be indispensable? 

Work Scheduling and Team building. I love keeping my workforce connected to one another and in good spirit.

What do you think of the current state of the African Fashion Industry?

Developing at a fast pace. Like developed markets such as Europe and Asia, Africa has great potential and stakeholders are in on it and are doing their very best to remodel the market system.

From your point of view, how do you see the “Fashionomics Africa” involvement?

I see Fashionomics Africa in the capacity of human capital development. I've come to see a lot of drive in that aspect. It's a project they're really passionate about and would like to see the market reach its full potential.