Solomon Appollo
Whilst browsing the online fashion accessories site Boticca, I came across a feature on London based luxury handbag and fashion accessories label, Solomon Appollo who have a gorgeous, colourful range of ‘hard to choose one’ clutch bags. Designed by Ozie Amadi, a graphic designer turned fashion accessories designer who was born and raised in East London; Solomon Appollo is all about cute and convenient stylishness. Solomon Appollo combines Ozie’s European upbringing and her Nigerian culture and heritage, factors, which are a major influence on her design aesthetic. Citing her mother and her aunts as particular influences, as she accompanied them on fabric buying trips and trips to the seamstress, Ozie also recalls childhood memories where her heritage would be expressed through music, fashion and food, brightly coloured fabrics and patterns, intricate embroidery and elaborate headwear. Ozie also draws inspiration from London’s vibrant multicultural society. However, it was a bad experience with a bag that led Ozie to explore the possibilities of designing her own range, and saw a return to University to gain the skills she needed to achieve her dream. In addition to retraining, Ozie spent two years developing the designs and travelling around Europe, sourcing suppliers for her production needs.

The name Solomon Appollo is rather unique and has been in Ozie’s family for nearly two decades, having previously been owned by her brother who had an urban streetwear label, which he closed in 1998. Ozie decided to claimed the name, giving it a new lease of life. The Solomon Appollo range includes mini satchels and cute envelop clutches, made with high quality leathers, soft suede’s and pony skin, complemented with fabrics like Kente, Ankara and the ever-popular wax cloth, which is used either on the handbag’s outer or as colourful lining in the inner. Shiny hardware in the form chain straps, clasps and playful detailing like the tassels seen on the Temple Pillar clutch bags complete the look.