Fashion Talent: Droomer

INTERVIEWED BY Amelia Brown IMAGES MBFWCT / Cleo Droomer

After receiving a standing ovation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2017 in Cape Town for his A/W ’17 collection, we find out what’s next for hot Cape Town-based fashion designer Cleo Droomer.

Did you always know that fashion was in your future?

I had an inkling – I always knew I wanted to do something creative – but wasn’t really sure that the direction would be clothing.

What inspired your latest collection?

I wanted it to be an amalgamation of ideas from various planes of thought and from my previous places of employment. I fused elements of couture, workwear and commercial mass fashion into one collection. Silhouettes were based largely around practicality and comfort; the idea of clothes that move as you do. I didn’t have a specific place of inspiration, I just knew the shapes and colours I like right now and I wanted to create the universe I had dreamt up in my mind.

Were there any surprises along the way? 

Nope. I mean some fabrics were a nightmare to work with, which set me back a bit, but I’m happy that the collection I envisioned three months before exceeded my expectations.

What motivated the palette?

I wanted the collection to be a transition of colour, but also have moments of colour and bold print. I like the idea of white and neutrals in winter. It feels luxurious to me.

Describe your aesthetic in three words:

Effortlessly sophisticated street.

What was a highlight of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week?

Walking out on the runway and having the audience all on their feet honouring my work, that was really special to me.

What impact is African and South African fashion having on the international scene?

I feel like many international designers and large established brands are drawing inspiration from Africa and specifically from SA, which means that we really have something that the world wants. As designers and artists it’s important that we tap into our natural resources and local narratives and utilise these before people from outside our country exploit them and tell our stories for us.

Who are you following on Instagram that we should know about?

I actually dislike Instagram; it’s purely a business tool. I follow my friends and family. They’re cooler than everyone else on there!

You’re on an island and can only bring three things, what would they be?

Food, water and good reading material.

What was the last gift you gave someone?

I recently gifted a good friend of mine a custom-made pencil bag that I made for him. He uses it as a clutch bag to carry his money and smokes.

Where’s the last place you travelled to?

Los Angeles and Las Vegas – loved LA, hated Vegas.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

Start up a charity that focuses on skills development and education.

What’s next for Cleo Droomer?

Big things. We’re setting up our first proper studio and retailing this year. 

Keep following Cleo on Instagram @droomer_official, Facebook @droomerofficial, Twitter @droomer_ and on the site droomer.co.za.