Designer in the highlight: thanks to Lumère, Mounir Sakho does not create clothes based on clicks – Essence

At just 23 years old, New York-based designer Mounir Sakho has developed a loyal following for his emerging brand, Lumère. He recently released his first full-length album collection this excites the fashion world much more. The story of Lumère, which premiered in 2019, began exceptionally.

As a curious child, Sakho looked through his mother’s African textile books. A cloth called “Lumière” caught his attention, prompting him to ask his mother what it meant. He remembers how she responded to him with admiration in her eyes and exclaimed that it was the perfect solution for him. And the name of his brand was born. The designer’s name means “light”, like the French word lumière. He feels that his mother gave him a brand. This level of purpose is compelling to him, especially since he would not be here physically without her.

Sakho says he decided to name his brand Lumère as a tribute to his mother – adding that it could even be translated as “my mother”. He notes that the brand name stays close to the original word that launched his entrepreneurial journey.

The designer created his brand as an expression of his perspective as a primary-generation American with Guinean roots. The worlds of West Africa and America often mix, and his work is interesting in his eyes. Living on the Upper East Side of New York, she is usually exposed to a wide selection of styles, from streetwear to traditional African motifs. The designer deeply immersed himself in the diverse styles, sophistication and innovation that lie behind these influences. “I wanted to attract attention [my] heritage in a fresh way and tell a new story,” he shared.

Mounir attributes his talent for design to YouTube, which was an enticing learning experience for him. He engaged with the platform and thru the digital site learned a lot of the features he needed to grow as a designer. He didn’t study design in a proper environment, but that did not stop him from absorbing information and learning through his family’s wealthy design lineage.

“Fashion is in my DNA,” he said matter-of-factly. He stated that his great-grandmother was a highly respected textile designer in Guinea, so his passion for clothing and priceless designs stems from an extended-standing genetic predisposition. Sakho also learned by trial and error.

Lumère’s ethos is rooted in a balanced dance between classical and contemporary accents. It designs timeless yet forward-pondering pieces with palm red accents and the “Ètoile motif” to present a creative approach to modern fashion. When he creates, he all the time has his teenage self in mind, giving the designer space to explore, develop and experiment. She designs for many who are in search of a protected space to develop and express themselves. “Lumère is a combination of all the influences that have made me who I am; skater, nerd, artist, anime lover, proud New Yorker. I want the world of Lumère to be a place where all these things, no matter how different they are, can find common ground and coexist in harmony.” Sakho is constructing a community that’s inclusive, culturally wealthy and values ​​creativity, diversity and modernity, while also respecting the deep-rooted cultural heritage that shaped him growing up.

His favorite look to date was the embroidered calfskin biker jacket that was recently seen on British singer Zayn Malik’s show. After achieving this feat, Mounir realized what a milestone his young brand had achieved. The jacket is an example of the way it combines modern, refined details with classic silhouettes. The remaining models from the brand’s latest collection feature a star motif. Structured jackets, two-tone trousers, contrast stitching and velvet trim are also featured in this debut collection.

“I still have a lot of room to grow, but I’ve learned that the wisdom gained over time equips you with the tools to become your best self. Every challenge I faced while creating this collection shaped me and reminded me that growth often comes from discomfort,” he explained. Reflecting on how far he’s come as a designer, he would tell his younger self to be patient. The designer says that pursuing your dreams could make the waiting a chore, especially if you want to achieve a certain level of success. “Free time is invaluable, it teaches you about yourself and deepens your understanding of your mission,” he said. Although his latest collection is accessible for pre-order, he’s currently working on one other collection and is constructing on the momentum that’s electrifying.

The Lumère designer’s dream is for it to be recognized around the world for its innovation. He wants to be included in the list of top fashion designers who push boundaries and introduce changing perspectives in an industry that usually stagnates due to trends. Sakho focuses solely on creating clothes that tell a compelling story, similar to wearable artworks.