An Eritrean refugee is again risking everything for a new future — launching a casual street wear line with a “Made in New York” guarantee.
“Hopefully this galvanizes people and inspires others to make clothing right here in New York,” said designer Áwet Woldegebriel, who has invested his life savings in a high-priced brand that debuts at a pop-up shop on Lafayette Street in Soho on Saturday.
Woldegebriel, 28, sought U.S. asylum from the oppressive Eritrean regime in 2000 and moved to Manhattan four years ago. He moonlights as a fashion designer while holding a day job as officer of philanthropy at the United Nations.
Memories of his father working as a tailor in his war-torn home country spurred his new passion.
