I happen to have went to high school with the designer to a t-shirt line that is definitely creating a buzz.....Clout Club. It was started by one of my close friends Austin Robinson in 2010. "Clout Club is an inspiration brand that symbolizes power and being somebody without being "somebody". The brand is all about taking life experiences and transforming them into clean solid designs that focus on quality and that everyone, in all walks of life, can relate to". His mission is to achieve clout in life whether that be a social status or professional goal.
Me: " When did you start being interested in fashion?"
AR: " I have always been interested in fashion. But You can say I really FELL IN LOVE WITH IT WHEN I MOVED TO VEGAS AND SAW A WHOLE DIFFERENT CULTURE.I WAS VERY INSPIRED, BEING FROM CHICAGO WHERE OUR SKATEBOARD AND STREET WEAR SCENE ISN'T AS HUGE AS VEGAS AND CALI'S ITS QUITE DIFFERENT. I GOT INSPIRED TO BLEND OUR TWO STYLES"
Me: " How did you come up with the name 'Clout Club'"
AR: (LAUGHS) "the Name Clout Club little do people know was originally..called "Clout Couture" I was in love with the word Couture and I felt that with just the name alone I could establish longevity with not such a trendy name. I really LOVE "Clout Club" because when I was doing research for the brand (and I had no money) I was just looking at the world in front of me I started to realize that the people are blinded, most people think that money gets you everything when in reality it is "Clout" (power,status). I want to instill a feeling of importance in every garment that I sell.I want you to feel like you are " The Man" when you have on my pieces without having to do outrageous markups to make it seem like I'm adding "Exclusivity" to my brand"
Me: "What do you hope to achieve with your brand?"
AR: "I hope that Everyone who buys my clothes genuinely LOVE what I'm presenting to them.Not just buying it because it may be "In" people buy $90 shirts with just a 3 inch logo on the side just because its in a video and they feel they like they are on another level than someone who bought a $30 shirt.I DON'T WANT TO BUILD SUCCESS OFF HYPE, JUST BY LOVE..that's why everything that I release from " Clout Club" is something that motivates me or has something to do with what I went through.Like that saying that your mom gives you 'everything you doing or going through ain't new, we all did it or went through it'.That line inspired me to make LIFE/ART; everything that I release from "Clout Club" is almost relatable to EVERYONE. The teen that is going through his first heartbreak can relate to the " Fuck Love" piece or the fashion addicted college student with the "No.1 Sucker In the World" shirt.I TRY TO MAKE EVERYTHING RELATABLE...SO YOU FEEL THAT THIS SHIRT IS MADE ESPECIALLY FOR YOU AND YOUR SITUATIONS."
Me: "What do you feel that your brand contributes to the fashion industry, Chicago Culture and the youth that are exposed to it?"
AR: "I feel that I am apart of the new breed of urban brands...I am young and I am also a young brand so I am excited for the growth that I am going to have.[the] fashion industry as a whole is pretty competitive..(but just like everything else is). I am happy to say I am apart of it though,..and needless to say I will be a contributing member of the fashion community for years to come.There is a new generation bubbling here in Chicago.There is a lot of room for successful brands here and we have one of the largest cities in the U.S.I think everything is here for the taking.With so much history and influence we have had on the WORLD.I feel that THERE NEEDS TO BE A BRAND, CARRYING A LEGACY FOR URBAN FASHION AS FAR AS ONE OF THE TOP URBAN BRANDS. I am really creating a buzz and molding a brand without a flagship store."
Me: "Whats a normal day for Austin Robinson like?"
AR: "Clout Club days are LIFE DAYS.I'm big on just life, experiences, and learning from it..I usually start a lot of my days..with E mails; speaking with potential designers and shirt manufactures, time with my girl (laughs) ..and really planning my next moves months in advance. Constantly looking for different canvases (garments) to display my life/art on"
Me: "Tell me about yourself, Where you go/went to school"
AR: " YOU WANNA KNOW ABOUT AUSTIN ROBINSON!!?? (laughs)..Well I'm an 09 Hf Alum!! After high school I really jumped straight into my brand.I really didn't really focus on the whole 'Go to school and get a degree path'. I went to community college and dropped out{GOD HAD SOMETHING BIGGER FOR ME}. Ever since I was a child I never really liked to work for people, I got my first job at 14 so from there I learned how to be a good soldier so I can learn how to LEAD when its my time. I'm also an ARIES and we don't take too well with orders (laughs) Other than that I'm pretty cool..I DON'T SMOKE AND DRINK RARELY
Me: "What is your favorite shirt/thing about Clout Club"
AR: "MY FAVORITE SHIRT THAT I EVER RELEASED has to be the "Today's Goal" shirt, because it means sooooo much and it has really positive and deep message.My favorite thing about my brand is FREEDOM.I don't work for anyone so I'm not censored with my vision at all.I can put ANYTHING I want on a shirt I love having creative freedom. Also the fact that I don't just sit down and read blogs to try to cipher out the newest trends...I FEEL all my designs.I don't think about them, DON'T THINK....FEEL!"
Me: "How is clout club different than other local urban t-shirt lines?"
AR: "I really feel that I am in my own lane as far as what I stand for and what direction I am going for with my brand. I also have tunnel vision so I really don't like to look left or right..I'm just worrying about whats in front of me and that's my goal to be one of the Greatest brands PERIOD!"
Me: "Who is your target customer?"
AR: "My target customer..is YOU! The person that's reading this. If you have a pulse you most likely can relate to at least one piece from my collection! (laughs)But I try to aim for the Rebel..the people with the IDGAF attitude.."I wear what I like..not hyped"(quote me) type of people. Being a new brand I have to build LOVERS for my brand, not supporters.Supporters eventually stop supporting, but LOVE NEVER DIES"
Me: "What are the next steps for Clout Club? Planning to cross into any other market segments?"
AR: "MAINLY WITH #CLOUTCLUB I am trying to be HUGE in my city (Chicago) I am trying to be a Pacesetter for the new generation of Chicago brands.I really want to be the GREATEST..Until I become the greatest brand here.Than I will maybe venture out into doing other things but I am definitely going to expand.I will be looking for a team of business minded, loyal, individuals to add to my team.I HAVE SOME HUGE THINGS COMING UP FOR CLOUTCLUB...JUST STAY TUNED TO MY CHANNEL AND WATCH WHAT I DO!"
Me: "Any last words?"
AR: "FIRST I WANT TO THANK GOD, for putting me on the right path to achieve my dream and blessing me with HEALTH! Also everyone who has ever tweeted Clout Club,purchased a product,mentioned me to somebody,or said positive words about my brand. There are TIMES WHEN THINGS GET TOUGH ..AND I JUST GO BACK TO POSITIVE THINGS THAT PEOPLE HAVE SAID ABOUT ME OR MY BRAND and I instantly start smiling and get remotivated. I TRULY appreciate it"
You can purchase the products at thecloutclub.com
Also follow him on twitter: @CloutClubDoe
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