Her shoes have SOLE ...

Have you ever walked into a boutique and it felt like home? From the warm decor to the cool and friendly staff - everything about the experience was simply on point? Well those were my feelings the moment I walked into Solemates Chicago for the very first time. The boutique’s design is Ralph Lauren meets sneaker culture and urban edge but through it all, a woman’s touch is very prevalent. The woman’s touch I’m referring belongs to none other than Mrs. Autumn Merritt, co-owner of Solemates Chicago.

Read entire article, here.

C.O.C.A Style Interview:Brooklyn Circus

At first glance you might say Circus are for clowns. If that's how you feel, then you haven't heard of Brooklyn Circus yet and we encourage you to get familiar with "Ouigi" and his Brooklyn Circus crew. One of the dopest brands out of Brooklyn, BKC represent the Style & Character that is embedded in that individual that is not afraid to laugh at themselves or be themselves. We recently caught up with Quincy "Ouigi" Theodore, who is the "Bearded Man" behind the whole BKC operation, for a little insight in to his brand. We must say BROOKLYN Circus definitely goes hard.



Tell us the inside story to spearheading the brand and your store?
Clothing is our means of communication but is simply the wardrobe to our lives and our quest to live 100+ years. The story is set out to unfold through a 100 years, no rush to being all over in a short time. We won't be around to physically see it, but that's the beauty in creating what we are creating. Our series of books, magazine and journals entitled "Changing of The Guards" will give you a better view of what the story is. It's our blog (www.thebkcircus.com/blog) edited and in print.


Define trendsetter. Does your line adhere to your definition, why? People that set out to set trends and get credit for temporary swings. We are not trendsetters, trends come and go. Our interest is to build individual style, respect the shoulders we stand on and build permanent character.

read the complete Interview here..




Spring 2009 Collection preview

C.O.C.A Interview: DeVon Drakkar Lane Simmons

As we embrace chance in America with President "elect" Obama's upcoming inauguration, DeVon Drakkar Lane Simmons is looking break a glass ceiling of his own. DDLS is a fresh face in modeling game following in the footsteps of Tyson Beckford, who cracked the ceiling for African American male models in the early 90s. We recently caught up with DDLS for a C.O.C.A

Interview and let just say can't nobody stop his shine!

We present MY NOIR IS BEAUTIFUL...

COCA Style:How did you start modeling?

DDLS-I started modeling my senior year in High school during football season. So one day I just finally made my decision and went with it. I went to the public library and started doing research and came across "Barbizon Modeling School & Agency" in Phoenix, AZ. So, I set up a meeting and got accepted to the school. My first day of modeling was Dec. 3rd, 2005; I celebrate every Dec. 3rd of each year. As, my senior year was going on, I got accepted to "The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising" in Los Angeles, CA to major in Fashion Design. I had my first ever photo shoot in Scottsdale, AZ The shoot was amazing, very commercial. Well, I moved to Los Angeles for school and took my portfolio with me. I went to Los Angeles with the drive and mindset to "model first, act second, then school for design." Either way my heart was / is in the fashion industry. I took every opportunity that came my way, no matter what it was, but I did make sure it was legit, worth my time and asked myself "will it benefit me in the long run?"; I went with my gut feeling and prayed about it too. I lived in Los Angeles for a whole year without a car but with a can do attitude. It was sometimes when I would be on the bus for 2 1/2hrs and I would have no money to get back home, or sometimes I would wake up really early to make a open call / audition . . . let's just say "if I had $1dollar for every "NO" that I heard, then I would really be a millionaire." As, I was growing up with older siblings, and getting talked about by fellow classmates when I was younger that allowed me to grow tough skin. So by hearing the word "NO" a lot did not discourage me, but made me want to push myself harder. I believe it was on a Tuesday, but I had a casting call for a reality TV show on VH1 for models and it was in the same building with a modeling agency in it at the time called "Beauty Model / BC4." After my audition I went down to the floor the agency was on and slid my head shot and resume under the door, because they was closed. Well, the next day I woke up on the wrong side of the bed upset and discouraged because I kept hearing No, after no, after no, and I started letting it get to me. The main reason was because I knew that some people who got the word "YES" before I did . . . I was point blank better then they was. So, I felt that I was not being productive or reaching my goals, so I was about to throw in the towel. Right, when I was talking to my friend at the time about it, I received a phone call and it was Jose(Casting Director) from Beauty Models telling me that he was interested in me. So, I set a time and date to go meet with him & Amy Weber who owned Beauty Models / BC4 at the time. Okay, so the usual happens when you meet with a agency or agent . . . they ask questions to get a feel of your personality, you take head & body shots, then the decisions are made. I got offered my first modeling contract. Well, time went on and things happened to where I had to move back home to Phoenix, AZ. Two weeks, before I finally moved I did my research to see if there was any good agencies in AZ, because I wanted to continue on with my dream and goals. So I sent in a few pictures which I felt would fit the best with FORD in Scottsdale, AZ. As, I was doing so, I prayed and asked GOD "If this was meant for me then. . . please let me get a call." Within a week I received a call from my soon to be agent Sheree . . . I've been modeling every since.

COCA Style:Who have you worked with?

DDLS-When I was unsigned, and grinding I had to get everything for myself! go see my old resume at:www.lacasting.com/devonsimmons
But as of now, since I've been signed:

- Carolina Herrera CH collection

- Ermenegildo Zegna

- Roberto Botticelli

- Reebok

- Dillards

- Harley Davidson

- 944 magazine

- Febreze Sports (Suppose to drop spring/summer of 2009)

- 3sixteen (got them on my own, by grinding in NYC and going to PROJECT NY and showing everyone my portfolio)
I stay on my grind, to continue to find new work and to make new contacts. I always try to find ways to keep working. I would like to say thank you to my family and friends who helped me with anything that has to do with my career.

COCA Style:It's well documented there is a lack of African Americans in the fashion industry, particularly modeling, what are some of the hurdles you face?

DDLS-Wow, to be honest were can I start . . . I've been facing hurdles since the day I decided to model. If it was from my football coach saying something, to people I've known too even now. No, matter where I go or what I do it's always a new hurdle to jump, just keep jumping and do not give up. Now, of course there is a lack of African Americans in the industry rather then a lack of Caucasians, which I hope will change soon for the positive to become equal or greater. That is why I am trying my hardiest to become the best, so I can open doors for models like me.

COCA Style:What is one of the biggest misconceptions about modeling?

DDLS-This industry is very tough to get into and even tougher to get started if you have to find your own way in. The hard part you always have to worry about someone trying to take your money. Everyone is not blessed to just walk in the mall or to a agency and just get signed right off the top, and that truly was not the case for me. Like, I tell myself in the mirror whenever I get upset "No one! can hold you down unless you let them, so strive to be the best and nothing less! when your time comes just be ready to shine." A lot of people do not know this but this is a VERY TOUGH INDUSTRY! mentally, physically, and emotionally! So you have to be ready, THIS JOB / INDUSTRY / DREAM is YEAR AROUND! Yes, most definitely there are positives to the industry too, but just know that it's not long term. You will need a back up plan and set goals for yourself all the time! Also, something I like to keep telling myself is " If it comes to easy then it will never last, but if it comes hard then it will last" So keep grinding and have confidence in yourself first! before you want someone to have confidence in you!

COCA Style:Are there any role models in the industry you admire?

DDLS-Yes, of course. No brainier it's Tyson Beckford! I look up to him, like basketball players look up to Michael Jordan! I am setting my goals high to become better than him, when people think of Tyson Beckford, I want them to think of DeVon Drakkar Lane Simmons. The reason why I choose Tyson, is because he has paved the way for African American male models, by opening doors for us to come through and get the shine that we can or even to be taken serious as becoming or being a model. So thank you Tyson!

COCA Style:Who do you want to work with one day (designer, photographer, etc.)

DDLS-I truly would like to work with:

-Tyson Beckford

- Tyra Banks

- Naomi Campbell

- Nigel Barker

- Bruce Weber

- Steven Meisel

- Prada

- Burberry

- Calvin Klein

- Ralph Lauren (Purple & Black Label)

- Tom Ford

- Gucci

- Vogue

- Hermes Paris and of course my line whenever I come out with it. . .

COCA Style:If you weren't a model, what would have been your career choice?

DDLS-No brainier I would still be playing football! Also becoming a chef, because I love to cook! But overall no matter what, I would be a entrepreneur . . . I have to be in charge!

COCA STYLE MEETS SNEAKER FIEND

When it comes to the Fashion world it might have been easy to just blow past the "Windy City" in the past, but in recent times the World is starting to embrace our "Cold" style . Some may credit Kanye, Lupe, Common or even Maria Pinto, which is well deserved, but we will add Darrick Carruth aka "BIG D" creator of Sneaker Fiend to the list. Why? Because the streets is the heart beat of urban fashion and Sneaker fiend Tees pumps nothing but love, style and creativity into it. The best part is the fact that he does it with so much grace and humility as others cling to EGOS,PRIDE, and HATE that keeps us separated. To pay homage to "Big D" I say : You got the best hand brotha!

CHI STATE OF STYLE

Clothing Line: Sneaker Fiend Tees

Name of Designers:Big D & Zeph

Established:2006

Target Market:Dope People

Swag of the Apparel:4 dope by dope people

Why the name Sneaker Fiend? Because it's fresh and most consumers are shopping to match there kicks so the name is a good fit.

Tell us the inside story to spearheading the clothing line? the truth is I couldn't find anything that I liked to go with my shoes,I was already in the tee shirt business so it made sense to start a line.

Why Fashion Design? Willie smith and Patrick Kelly were designers in the early 80's they were some of the first black designers to make noise in the fashion industry they give me motivation. they let me know that this could work for me.I was always in to fashion and when I couldn't find the item I wanted in my size I started to make them myself.

Should Sneaker Fiend be categorized as ‘street wear’? Explain.Yes sneaker Fiend is street wear why because street wear is the new urban the lines have been blarded the last couple of years were there isn't defined lines any more skate street urban or all the same fighting for the same consumer.

Name designers who give you inspiration? I don't look at to many designers for inspiration we look more to culture and art for inspiration, as well hip hop and music.But I do love Willie Smith and Patrick Kelly as will as all the great designers that came before and those that are to come.

Any experience in designing before lunching your own collections? I worked in the screen print business for years and with that I worked with a lot of graphic artist that gave me an insight into how to design and lay out a tee as well how to use color's .

Favorite Chicago clothing line or independent label? Sneaker Fiend Tees

Define Chicago’s fashion style? I don't think you can define our fashion style because the city is so divers were all over the place but I think were trying to find our way.

Sneaker Fiend future? Bright! everyday we are growning and picking up new accounts daily were in over two hundred doors with account's in Japan, London and Germany were working hard and it's starting to pay off.

Favorite food spot in the city? LOW END all down!!!!!!

Favorite club? old school with it elbo room on Monday nites!!!!

Any last words?Check out the new website www.sneakerfiendtees.com work hard and play harder!!!!!!

More @ sneakerfiendtees.com

COCA STYLE Interviews goes International!

Last week we gave you a little dose of Johnny Love. This week we are following up with an exclusive interview with the man behind the brand; John Vinnem. We are glad to present to you our first international interview straight from NORWAY:



Clothing Line: Mens brand
Name of Designers: John Vinnem
Established: 2006
Target Market: men from 20 and up.
Style of the Apparel: Classy streetwear, relaxed but sporty with attitude

Why the name Johnny Love?
10 years ago when I was out drinking, some friends called me Johnnylove, because I was and still am very happy when I am out drinking. Also the name has a sense of humour, and I think fashion needs some humour, I do not want to be pretentious. Besides the name is easy to remember.
Tell us the inside story to spearheading the clothing line?
This is street wear for grown ups like me, for men that do not want to look like kids nor the banker. I never found this kind of clothes when I was shopping, so I started making it!
Why Fashion Design?
I have always been into clothes, clothes shows a bit of who you are, or they can also be used as a cover up. For me it is about showing who I am. And at the same time I had a talent for making it.
Who or what gives you inspiration when designing?
I never like to talk about inspiration. Because it is like air…it is always there, the things that surrounds you. But looking at new fabrics is very inspiring, and for the moment I am in my thing evolving my style. But I have always been inspired by a futuristic feeling. Hard to describe.
Define trendsetter in Norway. Does your line adhere to your definition, why?
The trendsetters are people/brands who are in front of fashion, making their own trends that eventually becomes fashionable, but then this person might have moved onto a new thing. Well sometime Johnnylove can be a trendsetter, but in a way I make my own concept I am not into finding the next thing, it be scarves one day, next day hats and so on. I am not so much into this. I am more into making my own style on the side, which is always trendy, because it stands out, being edgy but without being far out!
Any experience in designing outside of your own collections?
Some but not much, I have designed some costumes for music videos and short movies. But I have had another brand for 4 years before, which was my schooling.
I love your Coat and Jacket collections. In our previous conversations you said “ Your heart burns for Coats and jackets” can you tell us more about this?
This is basically because I love jackets…we use a lot of outdoor wear in Norway…we almost use jackets the whole year. Making a coat is the closest thing to a dress for men. It is one piece which decides a lot of your look.
How is the fashion scene in Norway, compered to the US?
The fashion scene in Norway is maybe a little cleaner, and the scene is much smaller. Also the US is much more multicultural so you have more space for different scenes and trends.
We know customers can find your brand in boutiques across Norway, UK, France and China just to name a few but do you plan to hit the US market?
Yes I do, but I am a small firm, so I do not have a big strategy for now. My strategy is to try to make outstanding clothes, and see how far this can get me. You have found me! So it is possible to get some attention without having a big commercial plan for it all,. I have time, and the goal is not to become big. But be small and known for good things. Word of mouth and internet is still working! If I was to create budgets for using press-agencies, marketing plans and so on, my clothes would have to cost more. So for now we try it without.
If you do, Is Chicago going to be one of your locations?
In a way the brand will be where people wants it to be. My concern is that the shops that get the brand are right for it, and representing it well. And right now there is a shop in Chicago that wants my brand.
What comes to mind when we say CHICAGO?
Al Capone, I have not been to Chicago yet, so I do not know much.
Are you feeling Chicago’s very own Barrack Obama or John McCain?
Obama! To see if change is possible. But I am afraid that the world is a bit more like a machine, without a wheel, then we like it to be! So changing some leaders around in the world, will not matter a lot in the end.
What should we know about Norwegian people?
We are trustworthy and nice, but a bit shy! (Sometimes mistaken for cold)Sometime it takes time to get under our skin. But if you are a friend, it is often for life! It is cold here, so we spend a lot of time indoors
How can our readers get there hands on your line?
For the moment a couple of web shops, or by emailing us. But in march it looks like a new shop “Lock&Key” will have it. Wicker Park/Buck town neighborhood.

www.bespokeboutique.com
www.sourcedclothing.co.uk
www.johnnylove.no/

Any final words?
My brand is about making clothes that enhance the person wearing them. In my opinion clothes should never take the focus away from the person wearing them. If a jacket is pink with a lot of bling bling, you might only see the jacket, not the person.






More Pictures

Tom and Karl do TIME

Tom Ford and Karl Lagerfeld sat down for TIME to talk about how Ford discover and Mens Fashion:

Karl Lagerfeld: In a very simple way: people told me. First they started telling me about the perfume and the sunglasses, and then when the shop opened, I said, "Let's have a look." And it fit! So I thought it was the right moment. I was tired of narrow shoulders and things like this. I suddenly liked this post-Italian updated modern look. Modern because Tom's clothes have nothing to do with the old clothes. It's the idea of them. It shares the mood. But in fact they are made differently, and also, in ready-to-wear, this kind of quality didn't exist. They are beautifully made. They are weightless on the body.

Two heavyweight of the fashion world in one room, now thats COCA!

Watch video interview on the TIME website.

COCA STYLE SUPPORTS SAVIOR SOL!!!

C.O.C.A STYLE is proud to present another COCA interview.

Some people print t-shirts and call themselves designers. However to truly be considered a fashion designer you might need a resume like the creators of SAVIOR SOL, a Chicago-based clothing company that has worked with brands like Sean John, LRG, Fubu, Nike, Akademiks, Coca Cola and even the Discovery Channel. There mission: "to rid the world of the fashion lame."

CHI STATE OF STYLE

Clothing Line: Savior Sol

Name of Designers: A.D.E.D. Wear Inc. & Dubelyoo LLC

Established: 2004

Target Market: Fashion enthusiasts and consumers who possess an artistic edge, trendsetters whose “sols” need saving

Swag of the Apparel: Unapologetic

1. Why the name Savior Sol?

It embodies the mission of the line, to rid the world of the fashion lame. We felt that clothing was losing its soul and needed a savior. We wanted to create a brand that anyone could feel, because we all need to be saved from something.

2. Tell us the inside story to spearheading the clothing line?

We’d been pursuing fashion for years and had worked for other companies. We were tired of the machine dominating, dictating, and ultimately stifling the creativity of designers. We were also tired of the machine sacrificing quality and then using hype to overcompensate. We wanted to take the attention off the hype and place it back onto the quality of the clothing. We wanted to liberate those designers and ourselves by creating an environment that would allow for free expression.

3. Why Fashion Design?

Why not? It’s the rawest form of art. It’s who we are, and we live it all day every day. Even as children, our parents made sure we were fly. Fashion design allows us to influence how people present themselves to the world.

4. Should Savior Sol be categorized as ‘street wear’? Explain.

No, Savior Sol is not street wear. Street wear is a title the machine has given to define a style of clothing. Titles create limits and parameters. We’re fashion designers, and Savior Sol is simply a line of quality clothing. We could drop formal wear or maternity clothing if we were feeling it. We don’t have parameters.

5. Name designers who give you inspiration?

God is our inspiration. He is the ultimate designer. He design and created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. Who can top that?

6. Define trendsetter. Does your line adhere to your definition, why?

A trendsetter establishes the prevailing style. Trendsetters are constantly pushing the envelope and are never complacent. They are unapologetically themselves, and others imitate them. Savior Sol is definitely a trendsetter because we do what we feel and people like it.

7. Any experience in designing outside of your own collections?

There isn’t enough room to list them all.

8. The state of fashion today is ____________? RIP Trends?

… constantly evolving. There’s always something new and fresh on the horizon. That’s why we love it so much. Fashion is as dynamic as people. RIP: Any trend that’s mainstream. A loved trend today is a hated trend tomorrow.

9. How do you stay in the trenches of fashion?

We read blogs and periodicals, network with industry people, and stay aware of our surroundings. Although we pay attention to what other lines are doing (without “redesigning” or copying them) we don’t allow those lines to influence what we think is cool. For Savior Sol we close our eyes, ears and mouths and let the expression flow. Our creativity always keeps us ahead of the game.

10. Favorite Chicago clothing line or independent label?

Willie Haynes Collection. No disrespect to other Chicago designers, but Willie was our mentor. He taught us how to sew. He demonstrates how to love fashion and not just the fortune and fame. We have to give love to the man who brought us in the game.

11. Define Chicago’s fashion style?

Right now Chicago doesn’t have its own “signature” fashion style. Chicago’s fashion style is an eclectic blend of many other styles, a direct reflection of the city’s diverse demographic. At times, Chicago dependence on other styles tends to make it a little label-driven. Because there is no mold to fit into, we as designers have free reign.

12. How do feel about the state of fashion in Chicago?

Chicago is definitely poised to do big things in fashion. Local designers and models are gaining national exposure. A local designer was recently a contestant on Bravo’s Project Runway, and Michelle Obama’s designer, a Chicagoan, has also received national exposure due to Barack’s presidential bid. A Chicago-bred model won cycle 8 on America’s Next Top Model. Additionally, Mayor Daley and the City of Chicago have created several initiatives to put Chicago fashion and its many talented designers on the map. Even Macy’s on State Street has provided in-store space for local designers to sell their merchandise. With so much going on, Chicago’s fashion industry is primed and ready for success.

13. Savior Sol’s future?

Endless.

14. Favorite food spot in the city?

Chicago’s all good. You can eat good food anywhere, from the north, south, east and west. Our favorite food spot depends on what we’re on. When we’re just chillin out south and want something fast, we hit up Leon’s on 79^th and Stony or Harold’s Chicken on 87^th. If we want to sit down, we go to Giordano’s or Leona’s in Hyde Park. When we’re feeling smooth, we go to the Negro League Café in Bronzeville or downtown to the Grand Lux Café, Tavern on Rush, or Le Passage. When we’re doing it way big, we go to the Signature Room at the John Hancock Building.

15. Favorite club?

No time to party right now. We are very focused on Savior Sol.

16. Any last words?

Keep God first and everything else will be A.D.E.D.

For more info on Savior Sol click here

CHI STATE OF STYLE: KUTS & KICKS BOUTIQUE

ANOTHER COCA INTERVIEW---

You might know him as JOSE, or you may know him as MELLO, some of you may not even know him at all. Never the less Chi-Town get familiar with the owner of BORN WITH SOUL Kuts & Kicks Boutique. This isn't your usual barber shop or sneaker shop, nor is Mello your usual business owner. If you are looking for creativity and innovation, then step into KUTS & KICKS BOUTIQUE. Just make sure you show love to the homie that's "BORN WITH SOUL" Mello. Here is what he had to say:

1. How would you define your personal style? One word - fresh.

2. Name some people who have had an influence on your style? I like to think of myself and my style as unique.

3. Name a song that captures your style? Superstar by Lupe Fiasco

4. Do you consider yourself a trendsetter? Most definitely.

5. Can you define cool and what makes someone cool? Cool is something that I like and may not necessarily be main stream. Someone who is cool is not afraid to go against the grain and be themselves.

6. What’s The most you’ve ever spent on clothing or shoes? $10,000 - seriously.

7. What is your favorite shoe of all time? Nike Footscape Woven

8. Who’s your Favorite Fashion Designer? Ralph Lauren

9. How do you stay in tune with the current trends? I don't

10. What is your Favorite Chicago clothing line or independent label? Exist, Enstrumental, Eschmitte

11. What’s your Favorite online clothing store? I don't usually shop online for clothes.

12. Tell us about your barbershop/sneaker store & how you came up with the concept to mesh the two? I decided to blend the two things that I am most passionate about - my job as a barber and being a sneaker collector. I have been a barber for over 15 years and have owned my own shop for 8, and once I started to collect sneakers - buying, selling, trading - I saw an opportunity to wed the two.

13. What clothing do you collect? Polo

14. What trend must die? Oversized clothing

15. How would you define Chicago ’s fashion style? Trendy at best.

16. Why do you think Chicago is never mentioned as a Fashion capital of the country? Because we are in the Midwest, Chicago's style is reflective of other larger cities but has not taken the next step to define a style that is its own.

17. Define the word Hipster & do you feel you’re a hipster? Hipster is a new term to me that is evolving all the time; I see it applied to different types of people. I wouldn't be so quick to attach a label to myself that has not yet been defined.

18. What’s your favorite food spot in the city? Anywhere there's good sushi.

19. What’s your favorite club in the city? Funky Buddha Lounge

20. Any last words for the readers? Be yourself. Dare to be original. Come check out my spot which is definitely a new look and experience for Chicago.

Hand built Chopper by MELLO for sale $18,000, for more info - 773 252 4743




















Born With Soul
Kuts & Kicks Boutique
2092 N. Milwaukee Ave.
773.252.4743

CHI STATE OF STYLE-DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT

COCA STYLE presents "Chi State of Style". This will be a weekly post that will feature designers, retail stores, local celebrity and stylish people from the Chi. We are pleased to present to you our first designer spotlight: CLEONS CLOTHING COMPANY. We sat down with the founder of CLEONS, Chad Leon for an interview on the story behind his company. Here's what he had to say;

CLEONS Interview

Can you tell us how CLEONS was established?

- CLEONS was established back in late 2004. I was planning on doing a fashion show with 3 other designers, and we needed press kits to get sponsorship. I didn’t have one, so I had to start taking photos of my clothes on models. That was my first collection as "CLEONS" and I have been going at it since.

What’s your design background like?

- I love Fashion Shows! I have done 14 Fashion Shows so far. I worked with dance crews, local singers, bleu Magazine from New York, NEWCITY Newsletter in Chicago, OZONE Magazine in Atlanta/Florida & supplied a top for a dancer for the Oprah Show when Janet Jackson was a guest back in 2006.

What is your design process?

- Surprisingly I really can’t draw that good, so I don’t sketch a thing. I have a vision of what I want a certain garment to look like and I go from there. SOMETIMES it’s really easy and the visual pops up right away.

What influences your design style?

- Music is one influence, I love music. Janet Jackson, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland. I love how their music is very painted and layered in detail. I use that same technique when I sew.

What about designers, are there any particular ones that have had an influence on your design style?

- I love Dolce&Gabbana. I LOVE there visual and their presentation in their work and ads. I think it’s immaculate!

Tell us about life as a Chicago designer?

- I just love what I do. It’s a PASSION....I believe it shows in my work.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing designers coming out of Chicago?

- You live in Chicago! (LAUGHS)

What do you think needs to change in Chicago’s fashion scene?

- Chicago has A LOT of potential. One thing that needs to change is people need to learn to step out of the box and be different. Don’t do what is "in" at the current time. Chicago is pretty uniformed in it’s style. If you take a look at some Chicagoans a lot of them dress the same to try to fit in. A lot of beautiful people live here, just a bit more diversity & challenge in it’s style.

There is a stereotype out there that most male designers are gay how do you feel about that?

- Some are, and some are not. If the clothes are hot who cares what sexual orientation the individual is. I know a lot of straight male designers who have there own clothing lines here in Chicago.

One issue that we want to focus on at COAT OF CHICAGO ARMS is Materialism. We live in society that values material objects more than human life. As a designer, how do maintain that balance of growing your business while preserving social integrity?

- As a designer I totally express myself through my garments. You can express your positive views and positive opinions of social conscious issues on a T-Shirt that has a simple saying on it, and it can make a BIG impact in a positive way.

What’s next for CLEONS?

- A LOT OF THINGS!!!! (SMILE) I have 2 big events coming up. The first event is my Model Search Auditions which will take place in December, then my CLEONS Spring/Summer 2009 Fashion Show in April 2009. The Model Search is for this Fashion Show. If you want additional details just go to

www.myspace.com/cleons or www.modelmayhem.com/cleons. I’m VERY EXCITED about these two events. It’s going to be SOOOOO HOT!

How can anyone get their hands on CLEONS clothing?

- I just recently had a Trunk Show, but if you want some pieces or get something custom made contact me here:

cleonsclothing@gmail.com

What final thing do you want people to know about CLEONS the brand?

- CLEONS possess an "east coast" vibe & appeal, full of Power & Dominance. Made for the young, the popular, the laidback & the high energy Man & Woman