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.

Tunitrends in Tunis are Terrific!

“Besides the rich traditional heritage of Tunisian menswear and the few innovative designers that reinterpret such styles, what else is happening here in the Tunisian fashion scene,” you ask?
While there several local modern menswear brand names exist in Tunisia, the majority of labels that attract the most attention, especially among the youth, are ones that you and I know like Zara, Benetton, and Armani.

I did see other smaller name brands from Italy, such as Ex-bit, which is a brand from Naples whose look appears to be a big hit among the youth.

Young Tunisian men, particularly teenagers, are drawn to the trends that are most common in Italy.

Commonly on the streets, I saw Tunisian guys in a polo and tee that was pink, purple, violet, and fuchsia. Some young businessmen also wear these colors for a shirt and tie.

Jeans are the most common pants among the youth—hands down! But, again, they are very stylish with assorted details.

Like the tees, polos, and jeans, shirts are almost always very tight fitting—a slim silhouette.

Shoes among the youth tend to anything from a sporty Nike or stylish takeoff on a Converse.

As for accessories, I see lots of cool sunglasses, as well as wristbands, bracelets, necklaces, but not so many earrings and, even less, tattoos.

Teenage hairstyles are normally impeccable. (Oh, by the way, those aren’t black masks in the photo—I just blocked out the faces for privacy.)

All in all, I must say—way to go teenagers!!!

Photo Copyright Men’s Fashion by Francesco.

Stitches from the Past—Traditional Tunisian Menswear

While modern Tunisia rests on the remote glory of the Berbers, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Arabs, more recent history has impacted the traditional menswear in Tunisia, especially the Ottoman period.

While making the rounds with my two new Tunisian designer friends, Salah and Hafedh, we stepped into one of the traditional menswear boutiques called Chalbi Tahar.

The owner of the tiny shop explained in much detail the history of each garment, which is handmade and hand embroidered, using fine materials like silk, cotton, linen, and raw silk.

The base of traditional Tunisian menswear is the djebba, a type of long robe, which young designers have begun to reinterpret in innovative ways.

Commonly known in the West as a Fez, this woolen hat is called the Chechia in Tunisia (pronounced ‘sheshia’). Additional headwear includes the kakhta, or turban.

Shoes vary from open-heel slipper types to raised-heel leather shoes.

In the coming days, I will elaborate on these items, as well as shawls, cloaks, and hooded garments.



Photos Copyright Men’s Fashion by Francesco.