SWITZERLAND & ETHIOPIA

Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ALBASO’s designer, Merhawit Samuel, left her country of origin at the age of 6 to join Switzerland. Rich of two very different cultures, her inspirations quickly lead her to the world of fashion.

History of Albaso

Of Eritrean origin, I was born on February 1st 1986 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I spent part of my youth in the Gofa Kamp neighborhood in the south of Addis Ababa. I lived with my grandparents, my uncles, my sister and my mother. At the age of 6, we left with my sister and my mother to join my father in Switzerland.  

After my years of compulsory schooling, I have the chance to start an apprenticeship in the world of ready-to-wear in Montreux. I am immersed every day in the world of luxury brands and I quickly understand that this is not only a job but my passion.
After my apprenticeship, I continue to work in the fashion world between Montreux and Lausanne for several years until the birth of my first daughter in 2011.  

I spent several years devoting myself to my family until the day in 2017 when I finally decided to create my own brand that I named Albaso. Going back to my roots was an obvious choice for me and I am proud to produce 100% of my collections in Ethiopia.

  Each collection and each product is a wink to Ethiopia, if you look a little more you will understand the history and the meaning behind it.

Origin of raw materials

In 2017 I decided to create my own brand, based on the authenticity of noble materials such as; leather, cotton silk and linen.

Through my products I want to highlight the traditional and artisanal know-how of my country of birth, thanks to an ethical and 100% Ethiopian production. The result is a unique, timeless and durable product, thanks to the skills of finely selected factories.

Through my products I wish to highlight the traditional and artisanal knowledge of my country of birth, thanks to an ethical and 100% Ethiopian production. The result is a unique product, timeless and durable over time, thanks to the skills of finely selected factories.

In addition to their beauty, my products will make you travel. Each model is named after a province and each collection is named after Ethiopian riches and traditions, such as ;

Keisel (charcoal) still used today as a firewood in many homes
Buna (coffee) one of the most consumed drinks in Ethiopia
Warq (gold) natural wealth of the land of Ethiopia
Hosaena (twig plant) which represents many things in Ethiopian religions.

ALBASO the selection of a partnership with workshops run by Ethopians was very important to us. Our roots are Ethiopian and we want to work with the local population. I contribute in my own way by bringing them respectful work.