Ray Vincente 2011 Autumn/Winter Concept Shoot

Designing since 1983, Ray Brown launched his menswear collection called “Ray Vincente Eclectic” in 2009.


I met Ray for the first time a year ago at Washington DC Fashion Week, and I have been following his collections ever since.


For autumn/winter 2011, Ray Vincente lives up to its name—Eclectic!

The collection is rich in plaids and throws a 1970’s twist.

See the collection here.

Photos Copyright Ray Vincente.

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.

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.