Salah Barka, the Tuni-clectic Designer

On the runway at Tunis Fashion Week this summer, Salah Barka demonstrated his keen ability of combing modern trends with ethnic and historic elements drawn from his country’s rich heritage.

As you will see in the look book, Salah revisits the 1960’s Summer of Love as he adds a touch of Turkish pants, medieval male leggings, and Tunisian sandals.

This avant-garde collection of eclectic styles spans the millennia of great civilizations that inhabited his homeland—Tunisia.

As Salah and I went through the photos this week, he explained to me how he envisions modern man on the backdrop of such an amazing cultural legacy, which, at times, only UNCESCO succeeds to reward.

Have a look at the entire collection here.

Photos Copyright Salah Barka.

Merging with the Emerging in Tunis: Hafedh Barchouchi

Born 1986 in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, Hafedh Barchouchi (pronounced baar-shòe-she) is one of sweetest young men one can ever encounter.

Deep in thought and rich in talent, Hafedh is an up-and-coming designer to watch.

I had the wonderful privilege this week, not only of meeting this talented young man, but also spending a good amount of time with him and his friends.

After apprenticing in design at ESSTED, Hafedh made the decision to dedicate himself totally to fashion design, which had been his passion since childhood.

So, Hafedh, how did you get your start?
It all began in 2007 at the side of Salah Barka: first, as a costume designer for the theater and cinema and, then, as an assistant at which time I spread my own wings becoming a “master.”

What was your first test flight, so to say?
In 2009, I decided to present a mini collection of cocktail outfits, which I produced myself through simple means.

Did this mini collection mark the launch of your label, 2112?
No, I assumed the position of chief in the style department at Nessma TV for 9 months before launching my own label and atelier.

What obstacles have you encountered as a young Tunisian designer?
Finding my own identity for my clothing…

Concerning your designs, do you look to a certain period for inspiration?
I do not want to limit myself to either the past or future. I prefer that the man whom I create be timeless, immortal, like an intense beam of light traveling through space, which, in turn brings forth the inspiration.

What does design mean to you?
For me, creating is no more than an exercise in volume and construction—the clothing is very linear and its volume shows a geometric approach.

Tell me about your collection “Moon Dust”…
“Moon Dust” is a collection of reflection on the body and its states of contrast. This new collection is dedicated to man, offering a modern wardrobe—stylish and practical.

Thank you, Hafedh and good luck to you!

One of the most profound impressions that Hafedh made on me is from the “Moon Dust” look book, which I have posted here.

As you will notice, Hafedh is not merely a designer but one of the rare designers that is able to model his work! His photos are first in order.

Photos Copyright 2112.

A Designer’s Day in Tunis

After another hearty breakfast of cheese, yogurt and figs, I had the chance to experience a typical day in the life of a young emerging designer in Tunis!

Tunisian designers Salah Barka and Hafedh Barchouchi invited me to accompany them to the textile souq, or marketplace, where they buy assorted fabrics and accessories for their collections.

I was particularly interested in making the rounds, knowing that the major challenge of a young Tunisian designer is finding an adequate assortment of fine fabrics.

So, we started our steps at the “Door of France,” then diving into the windy streets of the souq.

Not only did I meet many of their friends along the way, but I also visited some artisan shops of traditional menswear.

The crowning experience of the shopping spree was a sumptuous lunch, consisting of couscous, fish, onions, and hot peppers.

In short, it was great fun for me to try on a different pair of shoes for change!

See the designer's day here.

Photos Copyright Men’s Fashion by Francesco.

A Night Out with Tunisia’s Best!

This evening I had the wonderful privilege of meeting nationally acclaimed Salah Barka—a young designer who is considered one of the most talented not only of Tunisia but also northern Africa!

Salah arrived at my hotel this evening with another emerging Tunisian designer named Hafedh Barchouchi.

After a round of photos, the three of us walked down the street in the cool of the night to the center of the city, where we enjoyed a pleasant meal as we conversed in Italian, French, English, and Arabic!

Salah and Hafedh discussed with me the many facets of their work as young designers in Tunisia and what it is like work as custom designer for the theater, commercials, and productions of films and movies, all the while designing for the general public.

Amazingly, both designers are self taught as they peruse the web and a multitude of resources, such as library archives, ancient mosaics, museum artifacts, and old films—all of which inspire their creations.

With ease, the two narrated the evening away about the differences—both subtle and vast—among the men’s styles of the ancient Romans, Carthaginians, Phoenicians, and Ottomans!

Young, talented, aspiring, and vibrant—Salah and Hafedh totally won my heart this evening! I look forward to meeting with them again this week to learn more about their lives and work. Stay tuned!


Photos Copyright Men’s Fashion by Francesco.

Salah Barka—the Tuniversal Designer!

Yesterday in my introduction to this year’s exploration of menswear around the world, I made mention to one of Africa’s most acclaimed designers, Salah Barka.

The 35-year-old Tunisian designer hails from a city in southern Tunisia, Gabès, which is situated in the territory of Carthage.

Although Salah worked first as a costume designer before he entered the world of fashion in 1998, he is totally self taught, having studied fashion from perusing the web!

Salah creates fashion-forward collections that span the 3,000-year history of his homeland, as he references the styles, fabrics, jewelry, and garments of the ancient Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Berbers, Ottomans, and Arabs.

Typical of the collections are the fez hats and hooded cloaks of North Africa, the equestrian pants of West Africa, and the Tunisian-style pants that slim at the calves.

Winner of the Silver Thread Prize, Salah Barka presents his collections regularly at Tunisia Fashion Week.

I am very excited to become acquainted with this exquisite designer and, hopefully, to learn more about Tunisian menswear from the Tuniversity of Salah Barka!

For more images, please click here.

Photos Courtesy & Copyright Salah Barka.