Designer Profile: Genteel

Dressed in a mustard knit tie with a lapel pin and navy blue glen plaid pants for this exclusive interview, Sam Omindo exudes the kind of confidence that only a fashion icon could. A Business in IT student at Strathmore University, his passion for fashion design is one that runs parallel to his program in school.

 

 

 

 

As owner and Creative Director of Genteel, he is striving to put his best foot forward when it comes to creating bespoke suit designs. He is accompanied by Brian Baliach, who assists him in creative outlook of genteel designs.

 

The duo went with purple as the brand colour as they believe Genteel is in line with royalty.

 

 

Their main designs focus on made-to-measure suits, which incorporate several materials such as khaki, wools and silks imported from London, Belgium and Australia. Other designs include khaki pants, casual shirts and a recent addition, a leather line. They also hope to design t-shirts for a wider market in future.

 

Omindo didn’t wake up one day and decide to be a designer. Like any other person, there were triggers and motivations that led him to where he is today.”In primary school, I would buy my clothes from Gikomba; I would especially buy soccer shoes from there. My friends would ask me where I get my stuff from and would send me to cop them a pair. I later began sourcing ties from there and selling them, so as to earn extra money.”

 

 

 

 

He eventually ventured into selling jackets and other apparel, which earned his family’s trust-they would later support him in purchasing goods from Istanbul.

 

He has therefore managed to channel some of his capital towards Genteel, a brand he started last year in April. Another motivation factor was when he attended an entrepreneurship program.

 

Sam and Brian both emphasize on quality when it comes to fabric. “ Together as Genteel, we believe in image is half the story told. Everybody will make the first judgement about you depending on how you are dressed.”

 

 

 

 

So what makes their designs stand out? They are keen on colour and subtlety, adding a punch of colour within the inner linings. They also ensure they have understood a client’s personality and character before they create an outfit.

 

Their suits can cost 20,000 Kenya Shillings and above, targeted towards the high end market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Their love for passion is felt in their words as they point out their favourite inspirers, Ralph Lauren for Sam and Savaughn Vogue for Brian. It is also seen in the way they have grasped history on how styles that we take for granted are the way they are.

 

We wish Genteel well in its indisputable rise to the top!