ThisDayStyle gave us a surprisingly full-page print feature early this year also another high point was getting a random congratulatory message from a renowned British designer Romero Bryan whose pieces have been seen with former first lady Michelle Obama.

DVF: That's so amazing...... when you were creating Russell Solomon, who were the target market audience that you had in mind and who would you describe as the Russell Solomon man?

Gabriel: First, I'll like to say Russell Solomon defies age restrictions, but our targeted age demography stands between eighteen to forty-five (18-45). 

A Russell Solomon man is a young, vibrant, limitless and fully aware man

DVF: Will the brand continues to only be focused on catering and designing for men or do you think you would eventually branch out into making women's wear too?

Gabriel: Always saw this question coming. As much we would like to serve everyone, we'd rather deal with one issue at a time which is being the best at servicing this section, men are way too comfortable, we want to broaden their concept of style, already we've had women indicate interest in our products so we'll definitely explore that section when we're fully ready

DVF: Have there been any major challenges that you have had to face since you became a designer that you literally had no idea designers had to deal with?

Gabriel: I worked with a fully established upscale fashion business for one year and in 8-7months, I was saddled with not just the responsibility of a menswear director, but the responsibility of ten (10) other departments. So, I'd say I saw the in and outs of the fashion business in that light and I'm currently dealing with mine

DVF: How has the receptivity level of the brand been like since it's inception?

 Gabriel: The reception was great, in the first twenty-four (24) hours of its launch, we got an anonymous order direct from our website, It was so encouraging, our first official customer was a total stranger. We read online publication comments about the designs and it was amazing. Stores, shows and bloggers across the continent approached us, we were well received by the public

DVF: If you get a complaint from a customer or get criticism about your designs or clothing, how do you handle the complaint and what do you do with criticism?

Gabriel: No new startup is perfect when we do, we first own it and we have the problem fixed. When criticized, we weigh in on it to be sure it's constructive, If it isn't constructive, we already have an understanding that everyone has peculiar tastes

DVF: What's been your family's take on all of this right from the beginning of your career till now?

Gabriel: My dad for one wasn't given to the idea, he's always wanted me in corporate Nigeria, probably at SHELL, CHEVRON or ExonnMobil, but I believe he's slowly warming up to the idea. My siblings don't care much what industry you work in as long as you become good at what you do

DVF: Without having the influence of your dad's love for fashion in your childhood and your growing up, do you think you still would have fallen in love with fashion or be the designer you are today?

Gabriel: Well in the absence of that, I would still have found my way here. I say this because I've always been a curious child, always out for self-discovery and was a very passionate child

DVF: It's a known fact that every creative sometimes struggles to stay motivated or get inspired so for you, what kick starts that sometimes diminishing passion to create?

Gabriel:  Yes indeed. For me, my environment plays a huge role, also my state of mind, I try to keep everything peaceful even when it really isn't

DVF: When designing what aspect of the design process do you pay the most attention to?

Gabriel: First fluidity, I really don't like restrictions, then pattern cutting and thread lines

DVF: What do you think is the major difference between when you were Gabriel, the stylist versus now that you're Gabriel the designer?

  Gabriel: (Laughs), there's nothing like Gabriel the stylist versus Gabriel the designer, I'm one with myself, no confusion. Just another level of creative expression

  DVF: (Laughs) noted, what is the most distinguishing factor of the Russell Solomon brand, the one element that makes it stand out from the work of other design labels out there?

Gabriel: I think as the present creative director, my distinguishing factor will be the ME factor. The ME factor is versatile, fluid, strives for perfection, attractive, God and Humanity driven 

DVF: So I've got to ask, why is the brand called "Russell Solomon " and not Gabriel Solomon?

Gabriel: Yeah (smiles), I had a nickname as a teenage boy in Yoruba "Adarikpon" which I believe means red-haired, if you google the meaning you'll find the name Russell attached to Red-Haired Man. So I owned it, also the name Russell Solomon carries a strong consonant blend which rolls rhythmically off the tongue and is entrenched in the mind as stylish and sophisticated

DVF: It for sure has a consonant blend and I love how well it rhymes too (laughs) ... Tell me about your "Skin Collection" and your Ss17 Campaign, tell me more about the creative concept behind the whole campaign and about the choice of the photographic direction taken to shoot the campaign? 

Gabriel: The SKIN Collection was basically centered around diversity in creation, God as a creative being, creating without limit. With so much to choose from, the pieces had variety, even with the choice of fabrics, design and even our choice models. 

We had  locally produced Adire infused in some parts. I was born and raised in the west hence the choice of local fabric for SKIN. The collection's lookbook was shot by Romeo Shagba. The campaign was shot in collaboration with Rodney Omoekachie assisted by Sam Makoji, the concept of the campaign was to better explain and explore the collection's direction

DVF: With fashion designing, there's often the issue of some designers leaning towards basically copying other designers ideas or work, justifying it as "inspiration" how do you prevent that from happening and if a customer came to you and wanted an exact replica or similar design with another designers work... how would you handle such a situation?

Gabriel: Yes, it has been a thing from time immemorial, however, that doesn't make it right and it's not something we should encourage, I try to stay as original as possible, that doesn't mean I'm not inspired by fellow creatives. After Adam came Eve, that's to say sometimes an existing product can inspire the birth of something spectacular. 

About a customer wanting a replica of another designer's product, I believe there are different ways to make one thing. So I'll offer them an alternative way if they insist I'd rather just ask that they patronize the designer

DVF: What is the mark you are hopeful that the Russell Solomon brand makes in The Nigerian /African Fashion industry? 

Gabriel: That Russell Solomon becomes what you think about first when you think African Fashion, not just as a brand but a business affecting lives and communities

DVF: What should we (the public) be expectant of from the Russell Solomon brand In the near future? 

Gabriel: Expect growth

DVF: And now putting the brand aside, What would you like your legacy to be? 

Gabriel: My ultimate goal has always been to make a lasting impact in this generation, to elevate and build, to change the very concept of a society that serves to enslave and impoverish, and bring about a society of acceptance, wellness, and total freedom.

DVF: Thank you so very much for your time and for sharing your amazing journey with me.

Gabriel: Thank you too chief.

WATCH THE BEHIND THE SCENES FOOTAGE OF THE SKIN COLLECTION BELOW