Fashion designer Áwet Woldegebriel returned to Asmara, Eritrea, to showcase Áwet New York’s Fall 2025 collection, an homage to his homeland. The collection, titled Asmara, blends Eritrean craftsmanship with Italian tailoring, drawing inspiration from Asmarino and Asmarina men and women, including Woldegebriel’s father, master tailor Goitom Woldegebriel.
“This collection is the most personal work I’ve ever created,” Woldegebriel said.
“Returning to Asmara after so many years is a profound moment for me. Asmara is not just a city – it’s a living museum of resilience, creativity, and identity.”
Woldegebriel, who left Eritrea in 1998 and sought asylum in the U.S. in 2000, launched Áwet New York in 2020. His return to Asmara was more than just a fashion event—it was a tribute to Eritrean culture.
The presentation, held in partnership with Eritrea’s Permanent Mission to the UN and the Eritrean Commission for Culture and Sports, featured traditional dances from Eritrea’s nine ethnic groups. Guests also experienced Eritrea’s famous coffee ceremony, emphasizing the communal spirit and storytelling that define Áwet New York’s identity.
By merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary luxury, Woldegebriel’s collection highlights Eritrea’s rich cultural heritage and enduring creativity.