Tazibone Solomon, a fashion stylist turned designer, recently launched his ready-to-wear brand, Kred Basics. Known for his keen eye for style and trendsetting ability, Solomon has channelled his expertise into creating a brand that embodies luxury and accessibility for everyday wear.
Credited for his styling on celebrities such as Vinka, Winnie Nwagi, and Irene Ntale, Kred Basics is not just a collection of garments but a reflection of his deep understanding of modern fashion needs, blending comfort, elegance, and effortless style.
Designers such as Sham Tyra and Rasheeda Mwiza have already made their mark in the market, establishing successful ready-to-wear lines.
Tazibone talks all things ready to wear, what he envisions this brand to be, and the future of fashion in Uganda.
What inspired you to launch your ready-to-wear brand?
As a fashion stylist with years of experience, I noticed that many of my clients were constantly asking for custom-made clothing. However, the cost of custom pieces often made them out of reach. This inspired me to create a brand that offers affordable, functional, and versatile fashion that still feels high-end.
I wanted pieces that could easily transition from casual to semi-formal, so when you look at the collection, you will see that many items are simple, with unique, thoughtful details. These are pieces that work for multiple occasions—whether it's a weekend outing, brunch, or vacation. Ugandans are just starting to embrace this relaxed yet stylish vibe, and my collection was designed with that in mind.
Who is your customer and tell us about your aesthetics?
My client values comfort and style without the stress of overthinking what to wear. My brand aesthetics is all about easy, functional, and wearable pieces that are versatile and relaxed. Think of it as the perfect wardrobe for someone who needs to pull something together quickly, yet still wants to look polished and put-together.
What has been the most exciting and challenging part of transitioning from styling to designing a full collection?
I have been fortunate to gain extensive experience working with one of Uganda’s top fashion houses, Sylvia Owori, which helped me learn the ropes of fashion production. After branching out on my own, I started designing for clients with various needs. The most exciting part has been seeing that dream come to life, taking a leap, and putting my clothes on the market. The challenge is knowing how the pieces will be received. It is a thrilling waiting game, but so far. I have been pleased with the response.
Do you believe the Ugandan fashion industry has the necessary infrastructure to support a thriving ready-to-wear sector?
The industry is still growing. However, scaling production for ready-to-wear clothing is tough, which is why many brands turn to Asia, especially China, for mass production. The infrastructure we need to scale locally simply is not in place yet. That is why initiatives such as Motive are so important—they help nurture and support local production. If we had more support for scaling production locally, Ugandan fashion could really thrive.
Do you think the Ugandan market is ready to embrace ready-to-wear fashion on a large scale?
Uganda is definitely heading in the right direction, but for the local market to fully embrace ready-to-wear fashion, we need better infrastructure to support large-scale production. If we can build that, Ugandan designers will be able to compete with imported fast fashion. Local production needs to be just as affordable and accessible.
What are the challenges in convincing Ugandan consumers to shift towards locally made ready-to-wear as opposed to imported fast fashion?
The cost of production. Locally made clothes often end up being more expensive than imported pieces, especially those from China. Ugandans are naturally inclined to go for cheaper options, even if they are from international fast fashion brands or knock-offs.
Also, the mindset that African consumers associate designer status with foreign brands, which makes it harder to convince them to invest in locally made pieces. This shift in mindset will take time, but I believe it will happen.
Are you incorporating any Ugandan textiles or craftsmanship into your collections?
Currently, I am not working with Ugandan textiles, but I do plan to incorporate African fabrics into future collections. For craftsmanship, I proudly employ Ugandan tailors to bring the pieces to life. I am passionate about supporting local talent and helping to develop a stronger fashion ecosystem here.
How do you balance creativity with the business side of fashion, especially when producing ready-to-wear in a market dominated by bespoke fashion?
My experience as a stylist for the past seven years has given me a solid understanding of creativity and the business side of fashion. I have had the opportunity to create custom pieces for clients, and this experience has taught me how to manage finances and production. Running a fashion brand requires constant learning and improvement. I feel confident that I am on the right track.
Do you see your brand expanding beyond Uganda?
Yes, definitely there is potential for Kredibility to grow beyond Uganda. However, my focus right now is to solidify the brand locally before taking it to other regions. Once we have a strong foundation here, I will look at regional and international distribution.
What is next for your brand?
The first drop includes both men’s and women’s clothing, but I have started with men’s pieces as I had more resources available for that. The next collection will feature more women’s pieces along with some new additions for men. I am ensuring each collection is exclusive with limited pieces and we will not reproduce the old pieces.
Where do you see the Ugandan fashion industry in the next five years?
Ugandans are becoming more aware of and supportive of local brands. People are starting to embrace Ugandan-made clothes and accessories, which is great. In the next five years, I see Kredibility becoming a well-recognised Ugandan brand. We are in a pivotal moment where local fashion is on the rise, and I am excited to be part of that movement.
Message for young Ugandan designers or stylists who want to transition into fashion design...
The key is to blend creativity with business acumen. Financial management and research are crucial to running a successful fashion business. It is also essential to seek advice from established peers and learn from their experiences.
Fashion is a passion-driven industry, but without the right tools and knowledge, it can be hard to make a profit or succeed in the long term. Do your homework and leap when ready.
