6.28.2011

Local Talent Spotlight: Clout Club

           Being the Windy City Lovin Girl that I am, I am in full support of all things Chicagoborn. Although Chicago is not exactly a fashion capital, it is definitely up and coming. That being said, there are many up - and - coming clothing lines that hail right here from ChiTown. I will regularly post clothing lines and designers to look for so you can be informed and keep up on people our age who are making strides in the fashion lanes.
    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.

    I sat down and had a little chat with him about the birth of this line and his career goals and aspirations:

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

6.15.2011

New Kids on the Block

New designers pop up on the scene and become overnight success everyday. Some are quite worthy of that attention, and recognition, and fat paycheck. Some....ehhhh lets just say they don't excite me. But the following 6 designers are in my opinion the best (relatively) new comers in the game right now. Yes some of them have similar design styles, but that's because I'm usually drawn to Contemporary American design styles with somewhat of a feminine edge. My fashion heart worships that type of aesthetic, however some you may be surprised....

6. Chris Benz
At that same meet and greet where I met Eric Daman, I also had the honor of meeting Mr. Benz, whom before then I had really only slightly heard of. After that fateful day, I came home and looked up his collection on style.com and immediately became a fan. His bright and cheery clothes with unusual silhouettes and slight street influences, completely matches his personality. Another tried and true designer.




(top to bottom: Fall 07', Spring 09', Spring 10', Fall 11')

5. Charlotte Ronson
The second collection from a sort of risque younger designer. I came across Ms. Ronson by pure curiosity, I heard her name and didn't know who she was. I decided to check her out and was pleasantly surprised. Even though her style of designing isn't something I would personally wear (a little too Ke$ha for my taste) that's why i love it. Its a mix between grunge and street style with a little feminine edge. Its very much the wardrobe of the feminist rocker. As I viewed her collections I couldn't help but humm Tik Tok because it seems like the perfect "I don't give a damn attitude" to go along with the aesthetic. And as a person who much prefers most designers' fall collections the fact that both Spring and Winter collections were phenomenal says a lot.




(top to bottom: Fall 09', Spring 10', Spring 11', Fall11')

4. Tracey Reese
Destiny stepped in and introduced me to Ms Reese via a project for my Fundamentals of Design Class. I was assigned a designer in which I had to use their aesthetic as an inspiration for my own collection. When I drew Tracey Reese from the hat I remember thinking "great shes prob wack and this project will suck #FML". Actually giving her a chance I instantly fell in love (no homo) but I have a legit girl crush on her. These collections with their feminine sophistication but relaxed LA edge tugged at my heart strings. Not to mention I'm an adamant supporter of all brown girls in the business, but she actually has the talent to back up my fierce dedication. No doubt, Ms Reese is ah- mazing.



(top 2 bottom, Fall 11' Fall 09', Spring 07', Spring 10')
3. Jason Wu
I was weary of this designer at first, a Parsons Grad and mentoree of Narcisco Rodriguez, sure he had the credibility, but would he be able to turn out a good collection? But after gaining fame from dressing Lady Obama and after 4 consecutive years of beautifully crafted, artistic clothing; I have no more reservations. I've definitely been wooed. He makes the kind of clothes that I myself would only hope to make some day. From his dressy casual menswear meets the royalty inspired separates to his dinner party attention grabbing dresses; I must say, I am definitely a fan.




(top to bottom: Spring 08, Spring 10, PreFall 10', Fall 11')

2. Prabal Gurung
I stumbled across this new designer while reading one of my Elles. In the feature about his label he said "I'm not a designer who makes trendy clothes, I've traveled around the world and the only universal trend is that woman want to be beautiful, that's what guides my work". And that he does any woman, would feel beautiful in his artistic and colorful sportswear collection. Formally working for Bill Blass, he premiered in February 09' and ever since he has been exuding power, grace, and confidence through his clothes; everything the modern woman strives to be.  




(Top to Bottom: Fall 09', Spring 10'Spring 11', Fall 11')
1. Alice + Olivia
Being the ultimate girly girl that I am (OK I admit it). I love this contemporary American brand. It is designed by Stacey Bendet. She constantly holds to her feminine aesthetic and colorful textured clothing. There is a strong emphasis on party dresses. Its sophisticated and fun at the same time. Its sold in 5 flagship stores and department stores worldwide and is worn by fashionistas like Blake Lively, Fergie, Jennifer Lopez and Anne Hathaway. On a recent trip to Barney's I came across the latest collection and let me tell you it is even more breath taking in person!



                                 (From top down: Fall 10' Spring 11' Fall 11' Resort 11')

6.01.2011

Vive la (Fashionable) Voyage

            With a legitimate countdown going (4 days) until this cruise, my little heart is bursting with excitement. Seeing as I've never been out of the country or on a cruise, I was at first perplexed as to what I was supposed to pack. Obviously a swimsuit for snorkeling and other water related activities (#TeamDolphinRiding), but whats an appropriate outfit for shopping in Mexico? Or clubbing in Key West? The fact that I would have to go shopping was a given, but what would I buy when I actually got on that Magnificent Mile or State Street? Clearly couldn't ask my parents, whom although have been on cruises previously, are fashionably negligent (much to my dismay), and friends weren't much help either. So I decided to go straight to the experts for help, and since the Resort collections tend to be my favorite, it was double the benefit. Armed with my inspiration from the collections, I divided and concurred those shopping meccas and produced an outfit for each day of the trip. Being fashionable is always in order so here's to the start of a life time of fashionable trips!                              
                                    Airport Attire: Inspiration: Rachel Zoe, Resort 12'

Comfort is key when in transit. And so is simplicity and layering. Don't even bother wearing lots of jewelry or complicated shoes, cause you're just going to have to take it off once you get to the metal detectors. And its usually freezing on the plane so unless you want to be sneezing, have a runny nose and be sick upon arrival, I suggest you take advantage of your cardis, scarfs, tanks and tees.
                                                        
Monday: Yellow Dress, Inspiration: Alice + Olivia Resort 11', Outfit: Dots Racerback Dress
     





                                              
Inspiration: Jason Wu, Resort 11' 
Outfit: Forever 21, Printed Leaves Dress
                                                          
Wednesday:Maxi Dress, Inspiration: Donna Karen, Resort 11'
Outfit: Falling Feathers Maxi, Forever 21
                                                       
Thursday: Romper
Inspiration: Balenciaga Resort 11'
Outfit: Rose Potpourri Romper, A'Gaci                                                        
Friday: White Mini                                                          
 Inspiration: Chanel Resort 11'



Outfit: Soutache Sundress Dress Charlotte Russe.