About us – fashion-one.co.uk

Who we are and what we do…

Redefining Style and Embracing Culture

Meet Barrie

Mohammed Barrie, a proud Sierra Leonean and the eldest son of a taxi driver and street seller, dreamed of bringing Sierra Leonean fashion to the world stage. From learning the trade under the guidance of his uncle to refining his skills in Abidjan during the Sierra Leonean civil war, Barrie’s journey has been one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His early experiences have shaped a brand that is now synonymous with style, quality, and innovation. ‘I am for young people, young women and young men, with ambitions to reach the sky. As others have taken me under their wings and guided, advised, bankrolled and listened, I endeavor to do the same. To use my creativity not only to exploit the God-given gifts in me but to teach, mentor and encourage others who may only see a cloudy horizon ahead, that the next decade promises much for our continent, our country, for you’. Mohammed Barrie

Our Mission

At Fashion One, our mission is clear: to transform the tailoring profession in Sierra Leone into an organized and profitable industry that delivers impeccable quality and changes customer perceptions. We are committed to nurturing young talent and creating opportunities for the next generation of Sierra Leonean designers, ensuring a brighter future for our country and our continent.

A Vision for the Future

Mohammed Barrie’s vision extends beyond fashion. He is dedicated to mentoring young people, especially those who face challenges and uncertainties. Through Fashion One, Barrie aims to inspire the youth of Sierra Leone to reach for the sky, believing that the next decade holds immense promise for Sierra Leone, Africa, and its vibrant, emerging middle class.

We are proud of the team we have created in less than a decade

As you read the snapshot below of some of our team, know that we remain committed to empowering many more youth in the coming year to not only develop their creative talent or earn a sustainable livelihood but to nurturing them into citizens Sierra Leone can be proud of. To this end, we offer workshops and personal development opportunities throughout the year and make space for each of our staff members to flourish in their professional and personal lives.

Meet the team

Isata – Customer Service Assistant

Who are you and why are you here?
My name is Isata and I am a student at IPAM studying Applied Accounting. I am likely to be one of the first people you will meet at the store when you decide to visit us. I will welcome you with a warm smile and take you through our design process and options.

What do you enjoy the most about your role?
I am most proud of what we do as a team, from the choice and quality of fabric we use to the meticulous finishing or the welcome you are guaranteed from me, ofcourse, Fashion One is a brand I am proud to be associated with. I love talking to enjoy meeting customers, old and new, and to bringing their wishes to reality!

Your aspirations?
I hope to be emigrate to the USA one day and open my own fabric/haberdashery store. Wherever I go, Fashion One will, I think, always influence what I decide to in the coming years.

Ibrahim Bah – Creative Artist

Who are you and why are you here?

I joined this wonderful team in 2010 quite by chance. I visited my friend, Barrie’s younger brother, and was informed that he was out. As I really wanted to see him, I persisted and was told that he was at work. When I eventually saw him, it was in the Fashion One workshop and I was impressed with the organization I observed; several young men concentrating and producing top quality items. It took a while for me to return and join the team but here I am!

What do you enjoy the most about your role?

I enjoy being here that is why I left where I was working to join Barrie’s team. Being a creative person, I love challenging styles and outfits that push me out of my comfort zone and forces me to use my brain. Women have more complex, sophisticated styles so I love making outfits for them.

Your aspirations?
To replicate a similar scale business like Fashion One elsewhere in the country. Barrie is a role model who encourages and empowers us to believe that one day we can also run our own creative businesses.

Alieu – Creative Artist

Who are you and why are you here?
I am Alieu and here at work am known as the Ambassador; that’s my nickname. I chose Fashion One as they have the high quality and advanced machines that permit me to keep learning and grow in my profession.

What do you enjoy the most about your role?
I am known as the Ambassador because I source fabrics locally for Fashion One. I enjoy this role of being a fabric expert/specialist

Travel aspirations?
The US seems interesting. Would love to go there and deepen my current knowledge/remain in the same sector.

Join us as we continue to shape the future of fashion in Sierra Leone and beyond