Afro-Sapien: a Few More Shots

It’s hard to imagine life without the T-shirt. Since the 1960s, T-shirts have become a staple in the American wardrobe and a form of personal expression.

New fashion label Afro-Sapien makes it way into the streetwear scene paying homage to the significant achievements, contributions and successes made by individuals of African descent, as well as those of other nationalities who participated with and/or supported them along the way. Afro-Sapien reflects a state of mind and a sense of fashion.

Capturing the style and grace of select individuals including but not limited to African-American, Afro-Latino, Afro-Asian, as well as all other nationalities who appreciate and participate in an “Afro-influenced” culture—as well as the genres in which they created, the Miami-based company’s signature T-shirt collection embodies the Afro-influenced spirit with its simple design and thought-provoking quotes and statements.

Representing a global lifestyle, the collection appeals to men and women, teens, tweens and young adults. The company’s logo—a groovy African-American man and woman—are a throwback to the culture of the late 1960s and 1970s, a time when clothing styles and fabrics were inspired by non-Western culture—including Africa—and a time when everything from fashion to language to attitude was “far out” and hip, and afros were worn by both sexes.

Its provocative statements like tag lines “engage your mind” and “life, love and liberation,” are engaging people’s minds and starting conversation among the generations, across nationalities and across borders.

See a few more here.

Photos & text Afro-Sapien.

Men’s Wear Duo Debut Spring 2011 Collection at New York Fashion Week

San Francisco, CA, September 10, 2010 – Louie Llewellyn, M.F.A. Men’s Wear Design, and Xiang Zhang, M.F.A. Knitwear Design, premiered their collaborative men’s wear collection at the Academy of Art University fashion show of recent graduates on Friday, September 10th at 8:00 PM in The Theater at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center.

Boston native Louie used the theme of a ‘disagreement’ between a hard and soft men’s wear silhouette. He designed the woven pieces with sharp edges and bold lines, and then added softer fabrics for contrast. He used one of his favorite paintings, Incision by Jay Defeo, for the color inspiration and selected fabrics to evoke a feeling of strength and desire. His favorite fabric for this collection is a cotton-silk blend piqué in lavender and black.

Shanghai native Xiang designed the knitwear pieces for the collection. Over 30 swatches were created before the final color combinations were selected. A time-consuming plating technique, knitting with two strands of yarn held by hand and twisted to obtain the desired effect and color combination, was used. Each knit piece took approximately 50 hours to finish.

Since 2005, the School of Fashion at Academy of Art University in San Francisco has premiered the collections of recent graduates during New York Fashion Week. “We view this show as the University’s commitment to help launch the careers of these young designers,” said Dr. Elisa Stephens, president of Academy of Art University. “To be a part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is an incredible opportunity.”

About Academy of Art University
With more than 16,000 students, Academy of Art University is the nation’s largest private art and design university. Established in 1929, the school offers accredited A.A., B.A., B.F.A., M.A., M.Arch and M.F.A. programs in Advertising, Animation & Visual Effects, Architecture, Art Education, Fashion, Fine Art, Game Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Motion Pictures & Television, Multimedia Communications, Music for Visual Media, Photography, and Web Design & New Media. Online degrees are offered in most of the 16 majors. Academy of Art University is an accredited member of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (BFA-IAD) and NAAB (M.Arch).

About the School of Fashion
Over 2,500 fashion students study under the guidance of experienced fashion professionals in the School of Fashion, which houses ten areas of specialization: Fashion Design for Women’s Wear, Men’s Wear, and Children’s Wear; Technical Design; Textile Design; Knitwear Design; Accessory Design; Costume Design; Fashion Illustration; Fashion Journalism; Fashion Merchandising; and Visual Merchandising.

See the collection here.

Photos by Randy Brooke, Courtesy of the Academy of Art University.

New Apparel Line Embraces Afro-Centric Culture

While Sparking Curiosity and Conversation Afro-Sapien wants to know,
“What’s Your Passion?”

Miami— (September 1, 2010)—New fashion label Afro-Sapien makes it way into the streetwear scene paying homage to the significant achievements, contributions and successes made by individuals of African descent, as well as those of other nationalities who participated with and/or supported them along the way. Afro-Sapien reflects a state of mind and a sense of fashion.

Capturing the style and grace of select individuals — including but not limited to African-American, Afro-Latino, Afro-Asian, as well as all other nationalities who appreciate and participate in an “Afro-influenced” culture — as well as the genres in which they created, the company’s signature T-shirt collection embodies the Afro-influenced spirit with its simple design and thought-provoking quotes and statements.

Founder Anthony Johnson created the fashion label to fill a void in the market for well-made fashion-forward clothing that not only reflects an urban awareness and style, but intentionally sparks curiosity and at the same time educates — all while being cool and hip.

“Afro-Sapien is a state of mind; it’s inspired by the human spirit. It’s meant to embrace those of African descent and those who helped Blacks and who understood the fashion, music, culture and art,” said Johnson.

Representing a global lifestyle, the collection appeals to men and women, teens, tweens and young adults, the company’s logo — a groovy African-American man and woman — are a throwback to the culture of the late 1960s and 1970s, a time when clothing styles and fabrics were inspired by non-Western culture — including Africa — and a time when everything from fashion to language to attitude was “far out” and hip, and afros were worn by both sexes.

Its provocative statements, like tag lines “engage your mind” and “life, love and liberation,” are engaging people’s minds and starting conversation among the generations, across nationalities and across borders. “The ‘60s and ‘70s were a time when things were authentic. Today there is nothing new, it’s being revisited from the past,” said Johnson. “We want to get people talking, not only about their own self but about the world as a whole. We want to know what their passion is; they want to know what their passion is.”

Presently, the company offers silk-screened 100% cotton T-shirts featuring the company logo and statements and quotes meant to spark curiosity and dialogue. The shirts, along with future collections, will spotlight educators, actors, inventors, and sports and political figures from different eras. Product categories include hoodies, sweat shirts, shirts, hats and pants.

The shirts are available online at http://www.afro-sapien.com/ and at local events. Future plans call for retail outlets, including boutiques and stores nationwide. The T-shirts are available in white or black in a variety of sizes and retail for $40.

About Afro-Sapien
Miami-based Afro-Sapien produces high-quality apparel that pays homage to the significant achievements, contributions and successes made by individuals of African descent. Representing a global lifestyle, the collection appeals to men and women, teens, tweens and young adults.

Reflecting an urban awareness and style, the collection intentionally sparks curiosity and conversation with its provocative statements and quotes. Whether large or small, we all have that “special something” that makes us who we are. At Afro-Sapien we want to know “What’s Your Passion?”

Photo & text Copyright Afro-Sapien.

Emore'J Couture: DC's John Galliano?!

Emore’J Couture sure knows how to have a good time and he really knows how to put on a show!

There may be a lot of attitude coming down the runways nowadays, but there’s no attitude whatsoever with this 23-year-old DC designer.

When I sat down to interview Emore’J Couture after the Menswear Collection Show at DC Fashion Week, I had a heart-to-heart talk with a man of deep passion and intense feeling.

Let’s continue to explore the depth of talent and creativity in this young DC designer as he speaks about his personal experiences in the nation’s capital and beyond.

How long have you been showing at the DC Fashion Week?
I have been showing at DC fashion week since I was 17 Years Old. I was actually Ean Williams first “Youngest Designer” of DC Fashion Week.

What is your opinion about DC Fashion Week?
I truly appreciate DC Fashion Week for the services that it provides to let me express myself with no restrictions. As a young student, I never had that so I had to create my own events. I’m truly happy that DC Fashion Week has played an influence in the way I conduct and go about business!

How would you describe the fashion scene in DC?
I would describe the fashion scene for men in DC as openly creative. Men have the option to try so many looks and styles of clothing that is amazing. I enjoy the risk that I see men starting to take.

It’s not common to hear DC described this way…
I think I am looking at it from an urban perspective, and that’s coming from the Black community, because at first it wasn’t like that. In the Black community, it was always hoodies, shirts, and big clothing—oversized clothing—men hiding their bodies.

What do you see happening?
Now in the Black communities, it has definitely changed because men are bolder. The clothing is fitting a little sleeker. They’re going more toward a European type of fit with the clothing, which is excellent. So you’re seeing men playing with colors. You’re seeing the men with their pants more fitted than before and experimenting with dress shoes rather than athletic apparel. So that’s the change that I’m coming from.

How does the DC Black community stand up against LA?
I feel that LA is extremely laid back and is not as fashion forward as DC. I currently reside in DC; however, I frequent LA often conducting business in Fashion Media. I feel that, compared to LA, DC is more cutting edge, very daring, which is a good thing. It’s great to see people trying new looks when it comes down to fashion and being themselves.

How does Emore’J Couture play a role in the DC scene?
I play a role in this scene, because I’m always on a whole other level when it comes to men’s fashion. I normalize what may seem daring, horrific, scandalous, and over the top.

How would you describe your experience as a Black designer?
I think it has been bittersweet. If you may see my work, it is very over the top: my work has a lot of expression and emotion. Sometimes living in the US, it can go over their heads because they don’t get it, they understand it. They don’t look into it deeper—they don’t research.

Do you feel that you would be more accepted elsewhere?
I’ve been told that a lot of people overseas would definitely appreciate my work because they’re more into researching the collection—looking deeper into it, looking at the symbolism that’s going on within my collection. I feel that, in America, they do love me and they appreciate my creativity. But at the same time, it kind of goes over their head because of the symbolism, the meaning, and the purposes.

What does the future hold for Emore’J Couture?
I am moving more into fashion entertainment, such as I have my own show on YouTube—Emore’J Couture TV. I do a lot of event hosting: I interview a lot of up-and-coming artists, designers, models, and producers; I cover a lot of events. So, I am moving more into fashion entertainment because I believe that is what I want to do. I love fashion design, but my heart is really in production as in creating events and creating a whole mood.

Any closing words for the readers around the world who may be aspiring designers?
It’s easy, just do it! I mean who cares, jump into it. Do it; if it’s wrong, do it again! If it’s not right, fix it up and just keep doing it and doing it and doing it. As you go on, if you are smart and wise, eventually it will get better. But there is no other advice than to do it!

For further reading, see my first exclusive interview with Emore’J Couture.



Photo top left, Copyright Shy Magazine.
Photos & slideshow Copyright DC Fashion Week.

Emore'J Couture at Washington DC Fashion Week

Prior to the Menswear Collection Show at DC Fashion Week this Saturday, I had the wonderful privilege of interviewing one of the youngest designers in the Washington DC fashion scene.

Beyond the resourceful creativeness of this talented 23-year-old designer, however, there stands a humble young man who has been shaped by adversity.

Refusing to allow nothing hold him down, Emore’J Couture has risen to the top simply by following his passion and dreams.

So, I’m honored to introduce you to the man, Emore’J Couture—a source of inspiration for both you and me!

Can you tell me a bit about where you are from and how you grew up?
I was born & raised in Washington DC. Growing up in the urban city of Washington DC was tough, considering I’m naturally an artist and love visuals. DC at the time when I was growing up and attending middle school and high school was not big on fashion design or fashion support groups. Learning to design, produce events, and market myself was all self taught.

How did this adverse situation shape you?
The rough experiences I received in school, such as bulling, harassment for being creative, and ridicule helped me charge my creative energy in a positive way to become greater than my environment.

What kind of formal training in fashion design did you have?
None! I didn’t have any formal training. I do want to take that up one day, some actual sowing classes and maybe a fashion design degree…but up to now I have been going off on my own natural talent to create.

When did you really feel the urge to design?
I knew I wanted to do design when I was in high school. I enjoyed creating unique looks for myself and others. I was more focused on wearing shocking outfits than school itself.

So, now, do you design with the goal of shocking the audience?
That’s exactly what I am doing. I love to be a shocker to keep your eyes open and jaws dropping. That’s my whole purpose—to continue to showcase creative art, avant-garde fashion, high fashion.

What led you into designing?
Certain factors and influences that led me to design were freedom of expression, appreciation of my natural talent, and the art field itself.

Do any of these factors influence your designs?
Various attributes inspire my designs and premieres of a new collection. It can be a situation in my life, which could be good or bad; so I will create a collection off of my emotions and how I feel at that time. Certain political situations in society have influenced my collections; for example, my APPARATUS Collection. This collection represents the lack of emotion, love, and compassion that humans have developed for one another.

What other political situaions affect your designs?
I could definitely first say the gay marriage influenced my collection a lot, because of how it was banned or made illegal. Even some of the garments, I have two females tied together, bonded together—and to me that symbolizes love. That’s likely an example of a political statement that I was bringing through my collection.

Tell me more about how your personal emotions come into play…
When it comes to my personal style, I kind of go off of the emotions and how I feel that day. If the sun is out, I would rather give a very preppy J. Crew look, but if it is cloudy and just dull, then I make a cloudy emotional dark type of feel with my garments. When it comes to a collection, it kind of goes off of something happening in society, or how I feel about technology, or how technology is changing. That’s kind of how you see it in my new collection: it’s very dark; a lot of the flesh is covered up. It’s pretty much how I feel about society.

Does any one thing in particular guide your creativity?
I really don’t have any groundbreaking philosophy, except that my collections usually leave people thinking about things other than fashion, such as sexuality, spirituality, and diversity.

How would you sum up the Emore’J Couture look?
I would some up my particular look or style of design as unpredictable: you never know what Emore’J Couture will bring to the runway!

So, who is the Emore J Couture kind of man?
I would say it would have to be your bold type man, definitely a celebrity figure, to wear my garments. My work is just for art purposes, just to showcase artistically. Other than that, if there is a huge extravaganza coming up, then my pieces are definitely worn. But it’s definitely not ready to wear!

Continue to the second interview with Emore’J Couture.

Photo top Copyright Shy Magazine.

Photos middle left & right, Copyright Emore’J Couture.

Photo bottom left, Copyright Shy Magazine.

Andrew Nowell, Striking the Right Balance

Andrew Nowell is probably one of the nicest guys that you can know! He is one of those fellows that make you feel at home, relaxed—you just want to kick your shoes off, sit back, and talk about whatever is on your mind.

Don’t misunderstand me, though. Andrew Nowell may be down to earth, but he is also intense in his feelings, pensive in thought, and very reflective with every spoken word.

After viewing his collection last week at the Menswear Collection Show at DC Fashion Week, I grabbed Andrew for a second interview. (Standing left in photo.)

Your profile reads that your design philosophy is rooted in the New York cultures of hip hop, R&B, and rock… So, how do you translate music into menswear?
By simply looking at the icons of each music genre, such as David Bowie, Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols, Kanye West, and even Michael Jackson and taking little elements. I then put my own spin on them, and this is what comes out on the runway. As you saw in my collection tonight, there were drop-crotch pants, which come from the hip hop influence of Kanye West…

Previously you stated that you design for men to feel sexy…. How do you define ‘sexy’?
Just being aware of your sensuality, your body, you ability to attract others—and with that, feeling confident. I think everyone wants to feel that way…and now it is changing for men. For the longest time, men were not allowed to feel sexy, because they equated it with being vulgar.

How do you bring sexiness into your designs?
What I do is try to focus on the cut of a man’s physique. Nowadays, men are going to the gym, not for health reasons but to look great on the beach or in a tank top: they want to feel sexy. So, that is who I am designing for.

Last week, you summed up your look as ‘modern’, ‘edgy’, ‘sexy’, and ‘restrained’… How do you combine ‘restraint’ with the other characteristics?
Well, there is a fine line between good design and costume, and what keeps it from going over to the costume is restraint—being able to pull back. Whereas some people go all out and do something that is totally eccentric; it looks great on stage, but not a lot of people can wear it. In my design process, I do take it to that point, but then I ask myself, “What can I do to make it a little more wearable, a little more believable, and not so far out into outer space?”

Tell me something about the collection tonight…
I just wanted to capture the essence of masculinity in all its different forms. For example, the fur coat with the leather pants is inspired by the illustrations of Tom of Finland; the fitted suits are a little bit of David Bowie, the sexy rocker. A lot of these influences played out on the runway this evening…even the military influence of the aviator.

What inspired the aviator look?
I was thinking a little of Amelia Earhart… I was looking at an old movie with the Red Barron, and I really got into the costumes, wondering what I could bring into my work, such as the goggles, the leggings, the boots... But there was a lot of mixing from different periods and influences, as well.

How do you define the Andrew Nowell kind of man?
The Andrew Nowell man is a confident man who feels good about himself and his body. He is knowledgeable of music, arts, and culture.

Is there a country that you have visited where the men’s fashion impressed you?
I would say Benidorm, Spain. The men wear what they want to wear, whatever color they like, because they are free-thinking people and not bogged down by what others think they should wear. I thought it was great to see that—such a freedom!

What do you do when you are not designing?
Go to the gym; eat gray boring food… (Chuckle)

Music?
I like lounge music; I love alternative rock… For example, Zero 7, Air, Nine Inch Nails, Stone Temple Pilots, Tool and Alice in Chains—I like to mix it up!

Favorite TV show?
My favorite TV show is Damages with Glenn Close—that’s the one I don’t miss.

Male icon…?
Harrison Ford… He is a man’s man without trying to be one. True masculinity—Indiana Jones, Patriot Games… Even when I was in college, I kind of dressed like him… (Laughter)

As you can see, Andrew is a man of quality and hard work, which are vividly reflected in his collections!

Andrew Nowell—the designer that knows how to strike the right balance every time!



Photos & slideshow Copyright DC Fashion Week.

Photo top left Andrew Nowell and Emore'J Couture, Copyright Shy Magazine.

The Multi-Cultural, Eclectic Ray of Ray Vincente

Ray Brown of the Ray Vincente label is one of those hidden treasures, which, when found, there is much rejoicing!

After meeting Ray last Saturday at the Menswear Collection Show at DC Fashion Week, I sat back in a hall of excited onlookers and watched his menswear collection on the catwalk.

True to his word, the line displayed an eclectic mix of ethnic blends and cultural flavors.

At the end of the gala, I was more than eager to sit down with Ray and become better acquainted with him; besides, I had so many questions after his first interview with me.

Last week, Ray, you said that you began designing because you wanted to express your own personality…
Yes.

So how would you describe yourself?
Very eclectic! I have always picked pieces from very different genres and put them together to represent how I was feeling that day or what I was doing in my life at that time.

How did you become so ‘eclectic’?
Actually from my family… I have Ethiopian in my family. My mother’s maiden name is McQuaige, so we have Scottish—obviously African, and Native American as well. So there is a big mixture of many different cultures and we have always celebrated them all. It was never one culture; it was always a mixture of all the different cultures.

How did you carry that over to your designs?
I was raised being told about my background: my family made a family history tree. As I went into it, finding out what was going on, I saw the cultures, the clothing, the colors, the fabrics—everything! And I just embraced it, because I thought it was all part of me.

Who is the man that wears Ray Vincente?
The Ray Vincente man is very much an individualist. He’s a gentleman who knows how to be “gentle” with other people. He is also a masculine male, [but] not macho. He is comfortable in his own skin, not trying to be someone else, and he wants his clothing to represent who he is.

In what way can a man be an individualist with Ray Vincente?
With the clothing line, I never tell people to dress head to toe with Ray Vincente. I say, “Take pieces from the collection, mix it in with what you have, and make it your own.”

Last week, you told me that you want to establish a unique look… So how do you define ‘unique’?
Unique goes back to individualism. I think if everybody takes pieces and works with what they have—both their body and their closets—they will be nothing but unique, because everybody has their own personality. So use it to learn what your body is like, what your likes and dislikes are, and pick pieces that compliment that. And don’t be afraid to try things. Sometimes we are stuck in, “We can only wear this or only wear that.” If you don’t like it, just take it off! (Chuckle)

How do you think American men’s fashion compares to the many places that you have visited abroad?
I think American men are becoming curious about clothing, because we have been very straightforward for years. In the past when we saw influences from Europe or South Africa, we thought, “Hmm, we can’t wear that; it doesn’t work for us.” But, now, we are starting to see men open up and try things to find out what can work—other than jeans and a t-shirt. (Chuckle)

Where do you envision Ray Vincente going?
I actually want it to be an international company. I want it to be a company that can offer jobs to young people that are getting into the field. I want it to become a company that develops over time into a lifestyle brand. I want it to be something that is very socially conscious…and to represent my faith. I believe in God and His Word, so I want to make sure that the line always keeps that in mind and doesn’t go too far one way or the other.

Any words for the readers around the globe?
Welcome to Ray Vincente! I think many cultures from around the world will look at Ray Vincente and see a part of themselves in it, and I believe that will be a welcome in itself.

Thank you, Ray, and the best of success to you!



Photos top left Copyright Shy Magazine.
All other photos CopyrightRay Vincente.
Slideshow Copyright DC Fashion Week.

The Menswear Collection Show at DC Fashion Week

I arrived to Washington DC last Saturday very eager to attend the Menswear Collection Show of DC Fashion Week, which is organized by Ean Williams, creative director of Corjor International.

Having already interviewed several designers, I was extremely excited to meet them individually and view their runway collections later that evening.

After an exotic lunch at an Ethiopian restaurant in Adams Morgan—spicing it up a bit—I ventured back to the Doubletree Hotel and “hung around” the show area to greet the designers as they straggled in.

I first met the host, Ean Williams—an energetic, kind, lively young man, who is deeply committed to the promotion of aspiring designers.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Ean had turned in a career with the Air Force, NASA, and Verizon for a life as a couturier in his nation’s capital.

In addition to designing for his own label, Ean is an advisory board member for the Black Designers Association, Inc.

After meeting Ean, I continue to “hang out” backstage, meeting most of the designers Andrew Nowell, Emore'J Couture, Ray Vincente, and Stella Bonds. Each fitted their models as they prepared for the big event.

The pre-show atmosphere was so relaxed, so laid back: all the designers greeted me with a big hug and a huge smile! I truly felt at home; so I want to extend a supersized “thank you” back to all of them!

Please join with me over the next few articles to meet the designers!

In the meanwhile, I invite you to a preview of the show, courtesy of Style Spot.

DC Fashion Week - Highlights: Men from DC StyleSpot on Vimeo.

Photo top left Ean Williams & Francesco, Copyright Shy Magazine.
Photo middle right, Emore'J Couture & Francesco, Copyright Shy Magazine.

Andrew Nowell at DC Fashion Week

Tomorrow in the nation’s capital, the Menswear Collection Show kicks off at DC Fashion Week! I have already had the privilege of interviewing menswear designer, Andrew Nowell, who has been attending the event for the past 4 years.

I am very pleased to know you! Would you mind telling me a bit of where you are from?
I was born in New York City and raised in the Bronx, not far from the neighborhood where Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren grew up. I attended the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan where I took a strong interest in Fashion Illustration. In my senior year, I decided to apply to the Fashion Institute of Technology where I majored in Menswear Design. I would later find out that Calvin Klein attended both the High School of Art and Design and Fashion Institute. My mother is very religious and that, in some ways, shaped my design philosophy.

Do you still live in New York?
I live in Washington DC.

What brought you to DC?
I relocated here shortly after my discharge from the Navy.

When did you join the Navy, and how was that experience?
I joined the Navy after I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. I served for close to 9 years on two aircraft carriers. I’ve traveled across the Mediterranean, visiting France, Spain, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. I would have my sewing machine with me on the ship and always managed to churn out something to wear at each port of call.

When did you develop an interest in designing?
My last year in High School. At that time there wasn’t a lot of interest in menswear; it was very boring. I saw that as a challenge, being able to do something exciting in menswear with all its constraints.

Was there a particular event that sparked the desire?
My family was poor and I wasn’t able to afford the clothes that the cool kids at school wore. My Aunt surprised me with a sewing machine one day and I started making clothing for myself. I was fascinated with the idea of being able to bring a sketch/design into being, through fabric and a needle.

What inspires you as a designer?
I’m inspired by the hip-hop and rock cultures, Saville Row in London, the B-Boy on 125th street in Harlem and The illustrations of Tom of Finland.

Do you hold to any philosophy about menswear?
Yes, making a man feel as sexy as a woman would, without being vulgar.

How would you describe the Andrew Nowell look?
I would sum it up as modern, edgy, sexy, and restrained.

Tell me something about the fashion scene in DC from your point of view…
The fashion scene in Washington, D.C. is very conservative. It’s a town inhabited by lobbyists, lawyers, government workers and politician’s. So the dress for men here is very subdued and boring. I’m thankful for the Internet and my trips to New York for inspiration.

What role do you play in this scene?
I offer an alternative way of dressing for those who are tired of the Navy Blue Blazers and Khaki pants. With the arrival of the Obama’s, Washington DC is opening up to different ideas of dressing. Michelle Obama is now a fashion icon and many women in this area are beginning to follow her lead. I can only hope that it’ll influence the menswear sector in the city, as well.

How does your city compare to other cities?
There is no comparison. There isn’t much of a fashion scene here. Everything is anal and uptight, and it shows in the everyday dress of the people. New York City has a European sensibility; Miami is very colorful and ethnic; and San Francisco has an easy, laid-back hippie vibe. You can see the influence of the character of each city in the dress of its citizens.

How long have you been attending at the DC Fashion Week?
I’ve been showing at DC Fashion Week for the past four years.

What are your impressions thus far of the event?
I applaud Ean Williams for all his work in creating a Fashion week in Washington DC. It’s something that was sorely needed and his sparked something of a fashion movement here.

For further reading, go to Andrew Nowell, Striking the Right Balance .

Photos Copyright Andrew Nowell.

Ray Vincente at DC Fashion Week

In preparation for the Menswear Collection Show at DC Fashion Week this Saturday, I have had the privilege of interview Ray Brown of Ray Vincente.

Although Ray has been designing as a freelance designer for public and private individuals since 1983, he launched his Euro-urban menswear label, Ray Vincente Ecletic, in 2009.

An eclectic mix of Eastern, European, African, and American urban cultures, Ray Vincente Ecletic will soon be on the runways of DC!

It is a pleasure to meet you Ray! Tell me something about where you are from…
I was born and raised in the inner city of Trenton, NJ, the youngest of 5 siblings. Educated in the Trenton Public School system, brought up in the church and surrounded by talented parents and siblings in the areas of literature, art, and music—all had a part in shaping who I am today. I have a degree in Telecommunications and Fashion Merchandising. Currently I still am a resident of Trenton, NJ.

What is it like to live there now?
It is a great spot located between major centers of business and fashion, Philadelphia, DC, and NYC. Family is a major reason why I have remained as long as I have because family is very important to me.

When did you know you wanted to be a designer?
From what I’m told, I had the tendency to be a designer from a young age. I always wanted clothing to be ‘just so’ and had a habit of always doing something to my outfit that would make it different from the norm. As a matter of fact I’m told that the only time I ever had a temper tantrum was when I was not allowed to wear socks that matched my shirt!

Were there any specific factors that influenced your decision?
Wanting to express my own personality in the way I dress was a major influence. I always walked ‘a bit left of center’ and have always been an individualist. Other factors were the 3 women in my life: my two sisters and my mother. Each of them have a strong style of their own, but each is different; 1 eclectic and edgy, 1 European, and 1 Americana.

Where do you draw your inspiration?
I can be inspired by almost anything, people, nature, films, etc. I do have an affinity for eastern culture, due to the unique meanings behind how things are placed or ‘wrapped’ together into the ensemble. Also, I enjoy the grandeur of eastern royalty.

Do you hold to a particular philosophy that is clearly seen in your collections?
Style that is individual, comfortable, masculine, and wearable is always the goal of my collection.

How would you sum up the Ray Vincente look?
Eclectic! I am all about pulling individual pieces from various related or unrelated sources and incorporating them into a stylish ensemble that showcases the man who wears it in and understated, confident way.

Tell me about the fashion scene in your city?
Pretty general in nature. Not really a look and feel specific to the area.

How do you and your label play a role in that scene?
The role I want the label to play is to establish a look that is unique to this capital city of New Jersey.

How do you feel your city compares to other cities?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have visited Paris, Lucerne Switzerland, Rome, Venice, and Florence and have been to every major city within the US. They all have one thing in common: a look that is theirs! The city of Trenton does not have that yet, but my hope is that Ray Vincente will help it get one!

What is your impression of men’s fashion in DC?
Years ago, it seemed to be all about ‘strictly business’, but in recent years there has been a development of personal style, which is encouraging. True fashion compliments your everyday life and this where I believe Ray Vincente is such an asset to your wardrobe. It’s not about dressing ‘head to toe’ in Ray Vincente. That would make you a ‘clone’. It’s about incorporating pieces of Ray Vincente into your existing wardrobe and styling it to fit YOU.

How long have you been showing at the DC Fashion Week?
2010 will be my 3rd year

What is your impression of the DC Fashion Week?
I think Ean Williams and his organization are to be commended for their major strides within the fashion community. DC Fashion Week is more and more establishing itself as unique and influential in the fashion arena, and I hope it continues to build, not into a replica of NY Fashion Week but into it’s own unique event offering a different piece of the fashion puzzle.

For more reading on Ray, refer to The Multi-Cultural, Eclectic Ray of Ray Vincente.

Photos & slideshow Copyright Ray Vincente.