How did you get into fashion design?
Before Luv4Cru, I was a rap artist. Throughout high school and my 20’s, I helped formulate a rap group called SWAT TEAM. We were part of the early 2000’s Crunk era right here in Atlanta. After successfully releasing several tracks, I decided to go solo where I took on the rap super star persona “Chief”.
I released two successful mixtapes which contributed to a much larger cult like following here in Atlanta and put me in the mix of the local “who’s who.”
After a while I begin to realize that the rap game is no longer about the talent but more so who’s more socially popular. I have a certain level of respect for the Hip-Hop culture, so I decided to contribute elsewhere by bring Fashion to the game.
Who are your biggest influences in the fashion world?
My inspiration behind Luv4Cru comes directly from Hip-Hop culture. Some of my icons like Karl Kani, Fubu, Cross Colors and Virgil set the tone of the direction I wanted to go with Luv4Cru. Growing up, I was always the flyest kid on the block with the latest and greatest gear and when I was on the rap scene, my style was always the topic of discussion.
Luv4Cru stands out from all the rest in the fashion industry because our brand has a purpose. Its not just stylish clothing but it’s a message in every piece we create. Luv4Cru is symbolic, the name itself means Life, Understanding, Values, Creatively, Restoring Unity. The number 4 symbolizes all four season which I feel solely responsible for dripping the culture all four seasons.
Our Power of Hands logo is a direct representation of one hand reaching out to help his fellow man. In life you either on the receiving end of a blessing or the giving end. We all have been on both sides in life. Our Brand is not only Dope but culturally impactful within the Fashion Industry.
What was the first thing you ever designed?
The very first piece I ever created was our Signature Tracksuits. I had a ton of ideas but the tracksuits was one piece I knew the culture would always recognize and respect as a Luv4Cru staple.
Can you describe your style?
My personal style is a mix of Luxury high end mixed with street Athleisure wear.
What’s the coolest project you’ve ever worked on?
I created several pieces during my initial launch. I can say the coolest, most memorable and an actual staple of the brand is our signature Combination Hoodies. Usually if you wear a chain with a hoodie it never lays flat. I created a sweatshirt and a hoodie combination, so you have the relaxed fit of a sweatshirt and the comfort of a hoodie without your chains bunched up over a traditional hoodie neckline.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from the culture. With my music background and always loving to dress, I knew I was destined to become a designer. I admire the culture, particular the rap game. Nowadays we have a mixture of art and talent combined with social media, so being able to pull ideas and trends and blend them together makes dope drip for the culture.
What’s your favorite piece you’ve ever created?
My favorite piece is my entire collection. I make sure that when I create, I scale back and introduce items that’s signature and that the culture gravitates too so that our entire Luv4Cru Collection is exclusive.
How do you stay updated on the latest trends?
Nowadays social media has taken over. I use the platform as an advantage and to stay in the known of the latest trends. I also do my own research by educating myself on different fabrics, high-end designer fashion shows and what other country trends are.
What materials do you love to work with?
Some of the materials that I love to work with are poly-blends, cottons and fleece materials.
What’s the hardest part about being a fashion designer?
One of the hardest part of being a Fashion Designer is over producing. As a creator I love to get all my ideas on paper and then get to producing. With that, you can loose the substance of the brand, I never want this to be know as a department store brand but more boutique styled brand. So scaling back is key.
- More to come from Luv4Cru, more celebrity collaborations, more dope drip for the culture.
We’re just getting started!!
OnCru!!
#powerofhands
