Fashion designer Omar Salam named the brand Sukeina after his mother. The word means “bright light.” He said, “Light is what reconciles us with the value of everything and without it, all goes missing.”
The Kent State University Museum hosts “Sukeina: The Light of Omar Salam” – the first museum exhibition in the United States dedicated to the work of the brand Sukeina.
“We are especially proud to present the exquisite designs by Omar, who was inducted into the KSU School of Fashion Design and Merchandising Hall of Fame in 2023,” said Sarah Rogers, director of the Kent State University Museum. “The exhibition celebrates the close partnerships of the Kent State University Museum and the School of Fashion and is a rich opportunity for students and visitors to deepen their connection with Omar’s unique vision.”
Jen Crabtree, director of marketing communications and public relations for Kent State’s College of the Arts, said, “It is incredible to have these designs on exhibit right here in our Kent State University Museum. Partnering with industry leaders is an area of expertise here at Kent State. ‘Sukeina’ provides an exceptional learning experience of innovation and inspiration to benefit our students and the community.”
The Light of Omar Salam
Sukeina is driven by Salam’s commitment to make women look and feel special. His designs feature clean lines but also intricate handcrafting. Many of his pieces incorporate silk fringe tied by hand onto a ground of lace and mesh.
He also creates stunning origami-like pieces of dimensionally folded neoprene. His designs at once obscure and reveal the woman’s form. The exhibition showcases looks from many of his collections, bearing evocative names such as Rise, Hue, Miracle, Bloom and Cardinal.
Telling Stories Through fashion
Salam’s family origins trace back to Senegal in West Africa. He lived in different locations around Europe before coming to New York City to study at Parsons School of Design for a degree in fashion. He originally planned to study film but realized that he would be more effective telling the intricate, vibrant stories he sought to tell through fashion.
Salam began his career working for Sonia Rykiel in Paris then becoming visual director for the brand's New York office. He spent seven years with Rykiel before joining Christian Lacroix in 2010. Salam launched his own brand, Sukeina, in 2012.
The exhibition runs from Feb. 16 to June 2, 2024, at the Kent State University Museum.
About the Kent State University Museum
The Kent State University Museum is located at 515 Hilltop Drive, at the corner of East Main Street and South Lincoln Street in Kent, Ohio. It features more than 29,000 pieces in its collection, amassed from many generous donors. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from noon-4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in person at the museum or in advance through the museum’s online ticketing service.
Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for children ages 5 to 18. The museum is free for children under 5 and for those with a Kent State ID. Sunday admission is free for all ages. Parking is free for all museum attendees. Patrons should use the allotted museum spaces in the Rockwell Hall parking lot. For more information, please call 330-672-3450 or follow this link.