By Biruk Gebremedhin

Evolution of fashion through the years represents eras and marks a significant change in culture and civilization. It inspires not only design but also a way of life and a way of good look.

Thus, the glory of contemporary fashion by itself depicts the combination of traditional outlooks and post-industrial era in this 21st century. As Mary McAllister says in her book “Ancient Costume and Modern Fashion”, clothing style is peculiar to the historical cycle of any country. Contemporary fashion attempts to strike a balance between traditional and futuristic styles.

The contemporary Ethiopian designer Sara Mohammed knows how to make a woman look gorgeous. Her shows speak for themselves. Born in 1981 in Dire Dawa, Sara is a mother of one. She studied fashion design courses in France.
Her designs are brilliant, bold and fun. Her clothes are the height of fashion and speak volumes of her internal wisdom.

According to Sara, fashion designers are the real masters that embellish the beauty of men and women. “It is the fashion designer that helps you show off your best body features and disguise your body flaws through intelligent smart dressing. They shape up your body in the most modest manner and make you look stunning and sensuous,” she said.
Sara also believes contemporary fashion has seasonal color trends. Modern collections and colors determine the future of many fashion labels. “The vibrancy and matching of the major five colors, versus the contrast we see toward the bottom of the ranking, show that designers are choosing optimism for the seasons,’ Sara explains.

She goes on to say, “When we see the streets in Addis we can come across different people with the chicest accessories sporting from hats to jewels to colorful platforms, a light-striped pattern top, pants, and boots, Balenciaga bags and Tom Ford sunglasses. But my specialty goes to the best evening dresses, gowns and cocktail dresses.”

Sara is not limited to evening clothes only. Every year she comes up with new styles of dresses with different patterns and mode. “Fashion is purpose, it has to make people’s shopping an easy and exhilarating experience,’ Sara said.
‘Next Designs’ is a school set up by Sara for fashion design in 2004 and has two branches off Bole and Haile Gebreselassie roads. It has graduated 600 students since its establishment. The institute has provided free scholarships to more than half of these students who are indigent.

Sara organized the first Pan African Designers’ Competition Award successfully in 2008. She also creates links with different African designers for the exchange of knowledge and skills.

Sara has displayed her work in many fashion shows in South Africa, Uganda, Germany, Tanzania, France and Switzerland. She has also served as a jury member for many nationwide beauty contests here in Ethiopia.

Source: EthiopianReporter