Between studies and start-up: Jacobs student David Lewis enters into cooperation with Bremen fashion house

August 11, 2020

He is only 21 years old and already successful: David Lewis, founder of the fashion label "Lewini". Born in Nigeria, he is studying "Global Economics and Management" at the English-speaking Jacobs University. Alongside his studies he has built his own startup. He has now found his first cooperation partner in the Bremen menswear shop "KONTRAST · Männermode". Owner Holger Mertins is enthusiastic about David: "His designs are characterized by a high degree of originality and combine African looks with European dress habits. They stand out through their lightness, cheerfulness and elegance."

David Lewis (left), student at Jacobs University and fashion label “Lewini” together with Holger Mertins (right), owner of the Bremen menswear shop "KONTRAST · Männermode". (Source: Lewini)

Holger Mertins took notice of David by reading two reports in regional newspapers. "Then, as chance would have it, an advertisement for our store appeared on the same two pages as a report on David in the Bremen city magazine 'Schwachhauser'," explained the Bremen-born man. This is how the first contact was made – and shortly afterwards a cooperation was established.

"For me, it has been a fulfilling experience," said David. "I literally went back to the drawing board and got to express myself as a designer again." The young designer has created a whole new collection for the store located near Bremen’s historic ramparts. Sor far, the "Classic Collection" is Lewini's third fashion line next to his "Urban Street Style" and the "Modern-Fashionable Collection". "My designs convey distinct vibes and expressions, which I call 'themes'. They can be individually incorporated into the fashion styles of my customers, depending on their preferences."

David Lewis’ "Classic Collection" – a set of matching shirts, shorts and pants – has been on sale at Holger Mertins’ store since July. (Source: Lewini)

His new "Classic Collection" – a set of matching shirts, shorts and pants – has been on sale at Holger Mertins’ store since July. "It is timeless and elegant. I have created it for fashionable vintage lovers," David described his creation. And he emphasized, "Although my fashion is sold at a menswear store, all Lewini pieces are gender-neutral. They cater for anyone who is interested."

Some pieces have already been sold. The response from customers has been overwhelmingly positive. Although the selection of designs is not yet so large, that is about to change: Holger Mertins would like to continue the cooperation with David on a long-term basis. "Despite its unusual nature, his design seems to be compatible with European fashion taste, and it has a high potential for innovation," he explained his impression. He is also convinced of the merchandise’s quality. The men's outfitter attaches great importance to good workmanship as well as to a long durability of the clothes he is selling.

So far, David Lewis has released three collections. One oft them is the “Urban Street Style Collection.” (Source: Lewini)

Fair production conditions are also important to Holger Mertins. David's fashion is produced in his home country Nigeria. "Despite the distance, the delivery conditions are very professional. In this way we can contribute a little to the country's economic independence," Mertins said confidently.

David is already working on further collections for "KONTRAST · Männermode". His fashion will also soon be available on the Internet – in his own online shop. In addition, the young entrepreneur would like to have even more cooperations with shops in Bremen and the surrounding area. By now, he has established a personal relationship with the city he lives in. This also affects his work: "I like to incorporate my immediate surroundings into my designs and collections and thereby connect our clothing to the people who wear them."

The "Modern-Fashionable Collection" is one of three collections of the fashion label “Lewini”. (Source: Lewini)

In doing so, David can count on the support of Holger Mertins, who would like to continue to advise the young professional. "I think David has an exciting future ahead of him, as a designer, but also as an entrepreneur.”

Question answered by:
David Lewis
E-Mail: D.Lewis [at] jacobs-university.de