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The world of Salah Barka is inspired by the Diva and the perennial battle of the sexes. Embracing Joan of Arc and Ava Gardner – at the same time glamorous and courageous his shows are always a carnival, celebrating the festival of life.
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UZURI
Who is Salah B?
Salah B:
I am Tunisian from the south of Tunisia.
In fact I worked as a model for five years and took care of the backstage coordination and styling at fashion shows, because of this experience I started to get work on photo shoots and theatrical events. One thing led to another and before long I was designing dresses for the theatre.
UZURI:
When did you decide to be a designer, did you study design in Tunisia?
Salah B:
I have never studied design, but in 1996 I had opportunity to participate in a Green Peace event so using recycled materials was my first occasion to present my designs.
UZURI:
People say that you also create your accessories and shoes to complete your looks?
Salah B:
Yes, that’s right I am very concerned to achieve a ‘total look’, so accessories are really essential for me, shoes are just as important as is the hair and make-up.
UZURI:
You have been awarded a few prizes - how do you feel?
Salah B
Yes I was very pleased to get the second prize at the Fima Festival and I hope it’s a stepping-stone in my future - I still work as a costume designer to finance my collections.
UZURI
What inspires you and why?
Salah B
Well Tunisia is my roots, the cultures of the Ottomans, Berbers and the Phoenicians are all in my genes and mixed with dance, cinema and theatre they all inspire me. They work my imagination and give me the freedom to dare and experiment. I want to project their vibrant energy in my designs.
UZURI:
What colors and materials do you like use?
Salah B:
I love earth colors, also blues, my materials are not expensive – you’re always find mixes of cotton muslin and wool in my collections
UZURI
When will you be showing the next collection?
Salah B:
Paris I will be participating in the Labo Ethniki
UZURI:
What is the future for Salah?
Salah B:
I see it on two levels – on the one I want to put my ideas and designs out there and get feedback and inspiration from cultures and audience around the world but on the other I would love to create an organization to work with new talent here in Tunisia. Be an example to future designers and to prove to them that everything is possible if you really want it. I came from a modest family – only nine children (laughs) so with determination and work that you can achieve your goals.
UZURI:
Are you planning to show in USA?
Salah B
To show in New York would be a dream, I’d love to work in New York, I love the mix of so many cultures with the commercial drive - I really liked the idea of the Scorsese film ‘The Gangs of New York’.
UZURI
And we here in America would love to attend a Salah Barka show. Thank you.
