Place: NYC (fashion week)
And just like that, New York Fashion Week is once again in full swing, kicking off its official biannual marathon from Friday, Sept. 9 through Wednesday, Sept. 14. the jam-packed, six-day-long event. In a statement, Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said that the palette "enables consumers to move fluidly between a range of contrasting shades, allowing them to spontaneously express who they are and how they feel on any given day." This is the color palette to look forward to this season.
From quilted jackets and coats to ponchos with classic silhouettes like the trench or warm and cozy shetland coats to ensembles that scream grace and ease with profound prints and bold colors, made from sustainable materials for a lot of brands. It’s refreshing to see oversized accessories, like maxi purses this season as well. The trend seems to have officially evolved from extremely mini purses to bags roomy enough to fit all of your must-haves and more. But don’t think for a moment that medium to smaller bags are gone for good, because Balenciaga's Le Cagole bag has burst on the scene
to become one of the most coveted bags to own this year. The crescent-shaped mini purse has completely taken over our timelines. Comfort and style is key! From comfy shoes by Birkenstock making an impact and lastly from mid range to high end sneakers promoting BIG style and versatility!
Now to move on to some much sought after designs from designers and companies who are black owned and operated and are nothing short of luxury and high fashion! First up is Kerby Jean Raymond for Pyer Moss. He’s a Brooklyn, NY native who describes his brand as “an art project” or “a timely social experiment”! His designs are found all over the world in small boutiques and e-commerce sites.
Next up on our watch list is Duckie Confetti. He hails from Long Island, New York. His personal style is bold with a heavy side of elegance and chicness. From authentic fur outerwear and accessories to must-have sets that are sure to stand out and make them look twice. His brand caters to both men and women alike.
He has had his garments adorn the likes of celebrities like Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Fabolous and Meek Mills to name a few. His items can be found exclusively at https:// www.confetti-boutique.com/
There are definitely some other designers this season that will having you eyeing their items for sure! Looking forward to what this season may bring and being immersed in it head first! Until next time enjoy the season in style! a New
MILI: When did you start your fashion line?
GT: It all started in 2020 with a vision of me and my Brother Rashaan Gamble.
MILI: What inspired your fashion line?
GT: We had a vision to turn Street Art into fashion with the inspiration of the best Era of the culture we come from. Our logo which is the Gun and the Rose represents every thing we believe the street hustle stands for or any Hustle for that matter.
“The Gun Represents all of the hard work, and dedication that it takes to be successful in anything you are trying to achieve as far as entrepreneurial. The Rose represents the end results or should I say reaping the benefits of your reward.”
MILI: What do you think the Fashion industry is missing?
GT: I must say that I’m proud and excited about the direction that the fashion industry is headed in.
MILI:Who are your top three designers?
GT: My top 3 designers are Dapper Dan, Virgil Abloh, and the Great Kanye West who I think has had the biggest influence on today’s culture and fashion especially as far individuality.
MILI: Where can people reach you?
GT: We have a website coming soon but until then you can follow me on my Instagram: @Gregory Todd038 where we will be releasing Rozez the Female Edition of our brand.
Big Shoutout to Westmoney and everyone who supported the brand much love.
I appreciate the journey I have been through, but I also know there’s so much more for me to go. I’m making a lot of mistakes as I go. If I could create a blueprint for others so they don’t make the same mistakes that I made…I feel like it’s my purpose to lead the way.
- Malik Dupri
By Cheryl Bush Photography by Ralph Summers
MILI: I see you you do have a Doctorate in Physi cal Therapy…
MALIK: I’m a retired doctor now.
Malik went to Ithaca College. He graduated with his Doctorate when he was 23 years old. The program was a 7 year program which excellerated into 6 years. He started college immediately fol lowing High School at 17. He also played Football in college. He was even the Captain of his team. He choose Ithaca College because it was a good Academic school even though it wasn’t his ideal school. He previously had dreams of attending a Florida State or California school. In general, one of the larger Football Colleges or Universities. He graduated in 2018 with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He worked in the field for approximately 2 years until Covid came around. That’s when his Physical Therapy location closed. At that time, he started formulating alternative ways to invest in himself. He decided to dive fully into entrepre neurship. With available funds to invest in himself, there was plenty of space and opportunity in his life to follow his new goals.
“I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now if it wasn’t for those decisions, and choices”- Mailk Dupri
MILI: How did you come up with the con cept of your brand?
MALIK: Originally, when I was in college, I had another brand called Savage Ruthless. There’s a Migos song called Bad and Bou jee…one of the biggest lines from the song is “ My N***s are savage ruthless” It was ba sically the mind behind that in college. It’s a cool brand that is still alive today. I do more of the backend work, and designs. Start ing that brand in 2017, I was a part owner. That’s how I learned entrepreneurship, and how to create a successful clothing line. Also how to manufacture goods, and run a business. Malik Dupri came from me liking sunglasses, and doing Instagram
videos with sunglasses on. Once I learned how to manufacture things correctly, I knew I could create my own brand of sun glasses. That was the main thing that has been successful to the growth. I launched it in July 2020 which was a few months after the start of the Pandemic.
Sidebar: Two days prior to his planned launch, he received his first shipment of his products. A good friend of his came by wanting to purchase a pair. He was relent less at first, and after seeing them on, he took straight to social media with a post. That night he sold his first 30 pairs. It came to a point where his house was frequently flooded with consumers coming to buy his sunglasses. That’s when he decided to get a Kiosk in the Mall. That gave him new expo sure.
MILI: From the Covid situation, and some of the businesses closing down in the mall, did that give you an opportunity to open the store there?
Malik: For sure. That’s the only reason I was able to open up in the mall at that time.
His store is now located on the second floor of Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, NY. He is strategically place amongst a section of what’s considered the “Designer Stores”.
MILI: What date did you officially open your store in the Mall?
MALIK: The kiosk or the store?
MILI: The physical store. MALIK: June 12th 2021.
He also has a clothing line which is also sold in his store, and online. After all, he already proved he could do it with the clothing back in college so why not add that extra flare to the store. Ultimately his signature products are his sunglasses. When he had the kiosk, he only carried glasses.
MILI: What’s your signature sunglass?
MALIK: The Guapo Collec tion. It’s a rimless style. That’s our most popular style. I would say they look good on about 90% of people with all types of looks.
MILI: How would you de scribe the Ghost Collection, and what inspired it?
MALIK: The name Ghost… when you wear those you feel incognito. You have your hater blockers on. I feel like a ghost. I can see you, but you can’t see me.
MILI: How did you gain your notoriety with a lot of celebrities?
MALIK: A lot of my peers ask me that as well. Honestly, the very first person was Rick Ross. He reached out to me on social media. It’s crazy that he even found me. He sent me his address, and he tagged me in everything. The way I get to other celebrities is by knowing people. I have a lot of connections. They invite me out to be around them. Maybe a Music Video shoot, or an album release party. I’m a real relatable person. I can walk up to anyone and have a true, honest con nection. I’ve learned how to network so well that even if Obama or Jay-Z was in the room, I could get to them. I’ve learned different strategies as well. Sometimes you have to just go up to a person’s manager. I walk up to them, show them the box ( which has a nice presentation with good quality), and they get interested. I show them the Instagram with 70k followers, and the other people wearing it.
MILI: How did social media help your brand?
MALIK: First of all, social media is free. Whatever I post is free marketing. Nowadays with this cul ture of commerce, and the people on social media buy a lot on instagram. When they see something is trending, and see a lot of celebrities wearing a product, they just want to feel a part of the culture. And they are a part of the culture, but being able to stay in tune is what they want.
MILI: What type of work culture do you encourage in your store?
MALIK: I encourage a family culture. If a person comes to my store, I don’t ever want them to feel forced to buy something. The best thing that I like about this business, is people buy things not to support me, but because they actually like the product. The product is making them feel better about themselves, and gives them a certain confi dence. That’s very meaningful to me.
MILI: Have you reached international status yet?
MALIK; Yes. We sell overseas. It’s not heavily over there yet.
MILI: Are you planning on expanding, and open ing up storefronts in other states?
MALIK: The biggest expansion plan is to work with Sunglass Hut. Ultimately we do want to open a store in Los Angeles, and Miami.
Photo -TheGuapo Collection- Photo Credit: Ralph Summers BlockSocietyMedia
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