“It’s Yo-Tom!” Young Designer pushes boundary

The youngest Fashion Designer to showcase his collection at LA Fashion Week, Yotam Solomon was only 20 years old when he first debuted his designs. His work reflects eco friendly avant garde living, and he credits his design inspiration to “Nature, the sky, the trees, everything from wind to fire.”

A little history
Solomon, a violin prodigy from Israel, moved to the States in 2003 where he first attended Beverly High School and graduated from Susana High School. After graduating Solomon enrolled at F.I.D.M., the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles.
In spring of 2008 Solomon launched his first collection. His sophisticated and chic style makes his designs a must have. His work includes geometric patterns, architectural shapes and leather inserts. He is most known for his social awareness and eco friendly approach to designing. His master pieces come to life on the runway and in photo shoots, he’s truly an artist at heart.
The Yotam Solomon Mission

Solomon has developed a brand that is “geared toward eco friendly avant garde living that supports nature,” as addressed in his company’s mission statement. He is not afraid to push the boundaries and using innovative techniques; he specializes in the ready to wear, footwear and accessory markets. Solomon is very passionate about his company’s commitment, he sees to it that his company stays current with research companies such as NRDC, to study and develop fabrics that benefit nature.

“Inspiring and empowering are the main priorities of this brand.” And he is doing just that; Solomon’s success with past collections have shown to be such a great hit that he has made inspired plans to expand his business into new markets.
Eco-friendly product is the new trend for producers and consumers. We have seen a growing amount of interest to “going green” and Solomon is offering us green alternatives and solutions in the high fashion world.

What’s Next
Solomon is currently finalizing his upcoming Fall 2010 collection for Yotam Solomon II, scheduled to hit the New York runway in February. The launch of his new collection will feature a simplified, affordable and contemporary version of his main line. “I want to offer unique and beautiful clothing that is not necessarily expensive,” said Solomon. Components of his new collection include gemstones with unique healing properties and manmade glass beads sewn into the garments.
His winter 2010 collection will showcase designs modeled around American Indian roots. It will feature dark tones, metallics, mixed and matched reds and light shades of ultra marine. Solomon , in his design direction usually mixes two completely different components. Winter 2010 will be a combination of early American history with modern features, incorporating “hards” against “softs.”
Solomon is excited to be launching a men’s wear line, including footwear.

Yotam’s tips to becoming successful in the fashion industry:
• Get as much sleep as u can now, u won’t be sleep later.
• Get involved! Check the LA Times or weekly papers and magazines, there are so many different ways to go about finding events in your area.
• In LA there are at least 5 different fashion events going on every single night of the year. Go to these events and meet people. Become familiar with names and faces. Go to open events to meet socialites, designers and editors. It is important to utilize your surroundings to better or help your future.
• School is such a strong foundation; it gives you something to grow on, and sets you up with your basics. You must be able to do everything your employees are expected to do.
• Go to school and study what you want to do. Each individual’s path is different, get a degree in the field you want to get into.
• It is important to make the first step. Invest your time and work hard from the beginning and just keep it going.
• If you put in the time and hard work eventually things will begin to blossom.
• There is no instant access in this business, it doesn’t exist. You must be willing to do the work!
Yotam Solomon has worked very hard to get where he is today, and it is reflected in his work. His passion in fashion began in footwear as he studied and taught himself the art of footwear design. Solomon had the opportunity to attend such a great fashion school, but reminds us that you need to be sure how bad you want it, and how hard you are willing to work to get there. “Slip into the extraordinary,” follow your dreams, anything is possible.