Hawi is an emerging designer to watch. Her brand, HAWII brings Ethiopian heritage to the global stage. From New York to Miami to Paris, HAWII has been showcasing unique creativity and craft. The brand kicked off this fashion week season with a private brand launch event held in the heart of Paris. Style Cartel got a look at the designer’s amazing collection and got an exclusive interview with the brand’s designer.
HAWI: EMERGING DESIGNER TO WATCH
The eponymous label’s designer is on a journey to express her identity, individuality and independence with her work. Having showcased her designs during events held at NYFW, Miami and Paris, she released her new collection with a private brand launch event held in the heart of Paris this fashion week season.
For Hawi, fashion design goes beyond just creating nice clothes. It’s a way to invite others into her life story – to see where she’s come from, how she’s grown, and how she expresses herself.
Originally from Ethiopia, Hawi grew up in her twin sister’s shadow. Throughout her early years, she was simply known as the quiet twin. Being an introvert, she often created her own world in solitude, sketching and crafting dresses for her doll from her dad’s socks and doodling graphic prints in the back of her notebooks.
It wasn’t until high school that she began creating collections for proms and graduations, finally gaining recognition for her own unique identity. Slowly but surely, she started to emerge from her sister’s shadow and develop her own unique identity.
“My sister was academically oriented and outgoing, and I was often compared to her or seen as the black sheep of the family. Without knowing, fashion became a way for me to come into my own. I no longer have to depend on my parents or people for validation. No one is telling me what to do, HAWII became my voice.
Now, as she continues to pursue her dreams in the big city, she’s independently making a name for herself in the world of fashion, earning recognition for her talent and creativity every step of the way.
View this post on Instagram
THE COLLECTION INSPIRATION
This collection is called “Ye Balager Lij.” It is an Ethiopian term that translates to “the child of a countryman(woman).” It has been used as a slang to call out countryside people as illiterate or not modern enough. Hawii aims to highlight the experiences and influences of each generation, exploring the interplay between rural and urban experiences, family traditions, and cultural values. Through personal anecdotes, interviews, and historical context, the collection aims to provide a deeper understanding of her family’s journey and the complexities of identity, growth, and intergenerational dynamics.
“I was inspired by my family album. Going through images from my childhood. I couldn’t help but notice the resilience of my parents who represent the past generation. They moved from the countryside to the city centre to make a better life for my sister and I. My sister represents the present. Having moved to the United States, while I moved to Paris, we are both on our individual paths and on our journey to individual self-discovery. The interplay between these rural and urban experiences is what I wanted to express with this collection.”
In vibrant black, red, and white shades, Hawii’s new collection showcases contemporary tailoring and designs. From quilted jackets to trousers, she customises her Amharic alphabet to create striking block printing and quilting techniques that reflect her African heritage. This collection is designed to be worn by anyone, regardless of gender.
View this post on Instagram
AS SEEN ON
“It’s always an honour to be able to be a part of memories, it might be for performances, photoshoots or a simple dinner out with friends. Being able to share that is something I don’t take lightly.”
Since its launch, Hawii has quickly become a favorite among European celebrities and influencers. Dadju, ElGrande Toto, Fred De Palma, Axel Toupane, Kayna Samet, Mohamed Ramadan, and many more have been spotted wearing Hawii.
“I used to make the mistake of making clothes I could not see myself in. I want to be happy when I try things on. If it doesn’t make me happy, then you’ll probably never see it.”
Hawi is all about resilience and determination. It’s no wonder when she was asked if she could say one thing to her younger self, what would it be. She said “you’ve got this. Focus. You’ve got this.”
Hawii is available to shop internationally via the website www.hawiihawii.com
Stay updated on all things fashion, lifestyle, and culture. Follow us on Instagram @stylecartel and TikTok @stylecartelmedia. Don’t miss out – sign up for our newsletter to get early access to the latest drops in your inbox.
Stay tuned to StyleCartel for more Fashion content.
