Origin
Since its inception in 2022, Lament(ist) has defined itself through the realization of the ideal denim, a keen eye for fit, and an endless pursuit of advancement in design. Lament(ist) values the craftsmanship of clothing, designing, and redesigning, everything in London.

Omar Zakarie is Lament(ist)’s Founder and Designer. He began the brand as a photographer with the wish to style his subjects in alluringly revelatory pieces whose silhouettes would turn them into sites for expression, new emotions, and connection. With this goal, Lament(ist) was born. 

Today, Lament(ist) is run by Omar and Assistant Director and Designer Harry Holmes. In addition to designing the clothing themselves, Omar continues his role as Lament(ist)’s sole photographer and editor, supporting the brand with the work that inspired it in the first place. Harry composes his own designs as well as many of the brand’s creative concepts. The creation begins, development occurs, and the final product is born, all on a personal level. 

What good is the appearance of clothing if it doesn’t truly express you?

Intention
Clothing shouldn’t be a disposable fabric copy of emotions that aren’t your own. It should reflect the intentions of your style and support your self-expression. 

Clothing loses its attitude when it doesn’t fit just the way we want. Not only do they feed attitude into every silhouette, they design with the intentionality you’re looking for. Each cut, fabric, and finish is developed with the individuality that fashion deserves. From hand-applied wax treatments and washed selvedge denim to full grain leather and custom hardware, They want to prove themselves through their expertise. 

They aren’t looking to remake old classics, but to create future ones.

Execution
The perfect flare, how a jacket sits on your shoulders, stitching that accentuates just right, these don’t exist in the first design; they take numerous samples and considerations before they’re ready. All of these elements come about through a consideration of the subject and an admiration for the brands that did it right before. The Lament(ist) team take influence from Japanese fashion, early-2000s rock culture, old editorial photography, and the darker London scene. 

The finished piece is characterised by their passion for clothing that holds an intimate confidence in its design. Because fashion is not how you become yourself, it’s how you show yourself. Lament(ist) is for self-expression through the adornment of the body. 

They continue their commitment to the craft of fashion by designing and photographing all of the pieces, ensuring the clear intentions remain from start to finish. Every piece is produced in limited quantities, guaranteeing that the focus is on its design and not the trends of the season. Lament(ist) exists out of a sincere appreciation for the craftsmanship of clothing and the inherent emotional and expressive power it holds.

Lament(ist) is the skin of expression.

Words by Mika Lynch-Lee.