Wolde Molalign Korebtaw

A native of Eritrea, Wolde Molalign Korebtaw retired from a long career in the fashion and clothing retail industry in 1996 after more than three decades. In his retirement, he pursues a range of hobbies, including watching soccer and playing cards with his friends. He also continues to enjoy his longtime affinity for films and Italian culture. As a young man in Eritrea, Wolde Molalign Korebtaw regularly attended local cinema houses to watch Italian films, such as La Dolce Vita and Roman Holiday, developing an appreciation for Sophia Loren, Vittorio De Sica, and other legendary Italian actors.

Mr. Korebtaw drew upon his familiarity with Italian culture during his clothing career. Gaining inspiration from Italian designers, such as Julio Papa Gallo, Giovanni Galiano, and Paulo Giuseppe, he designed and tailored stylish men’s clothing in his two Star Clothing Store locations in Africa between 1964 and 1996.

Over the years, Mr. Korebtaw earned a reputation for his knowledge of the latest European trends, as well as his ability to combine the European aesthetic with traditional styles. To achieve this hallmark style, he traveled around the world to collect fabric for his designs. While on these fabric-buying trips, he also had the chance to visit cultural icons, such as the Taj Mahal in India and the Great Pyramid in Egypt.