We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Elon Kebede. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Elon below.

Alright, Elon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)?

I think as a designer, one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is to branch out to different categories. In my undergraduate career, I decided to start my internship journey earlier than was expected. I did 3; Ethiopia, New York, Dallas.

My first internship was in Ethiopia, for Ana Getenah. Designer and founder of African Mosaïque, I started my fashion journey learning technical drawing, how to source fabrics, and Ready-To-Wear.

Second internship was in New York; for Aurora James, designer and founder of Brother Vellies. I learned more of e-commerce as well as shoe wear and handbags. At that time I also had a part time job at Mood Fabrics where I was able to expand my knowledge of fabrications.

Lastly, my internship experience ended with Nardos Design in Dallas, TX. Under Nardos Imam, I was able to learn couture and bridal techniques.

I am now a evening & bridal wear designer. I found all 3 of these internships vital in shaping who I am as a creative and designer.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Elon. I am the designer, and creative director for ELU by Elon. I started designing for my own name back in late 2022, and have been designing sense.

I love designing gowns; bridal and evening wear. I find joy in creating collections, executing the styling and putting on a photoshoot.

My love for designing started at the age of 6. My mother would make our clothes growing up at time and I was hooked since.

Although my love for fashion is great, my heart for children is greater. My true desire is to create and open schools In Ethiopia. My family is from Ethiopia, when I had the opportunity to intern there I had noticed the opportunity to give back and I want to do so.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I had gained the couture skills at a younger age so I could have had my skills a bit more refined by now.

However, technology nowadays has made it accessible to learn new techniques at the click of a button!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest lesson I’ve had to unlearn is that it’s your line, your brand, your art. Therefore no one should have such a say on what you are to do and not to do.

I’ve had to stick with my gut. Even if other say, “it won’t work unless, xyz.” Who is to say it wouldn’t work? How would they know. I say stick to what you envision, if and when it’s successful you’ll have peace. And if it doesn’t, that’s also a win. Because it be better to fail doing what you wanted and envisioned rather than failing with someone else’s visions

Contact Info:

• Website: Elubyelon.com
• Instagram: @elu.by.elon

Image Credits
Photographer: FiveXMedia