Chicago is full of go-getters and artist. Recently I've noticed such a huge impact fashion has had on the Chicago youth. Not only has fashion intrigued us, but the entrepreneurial spirit as well. A lot of young people are becoming more inspired everyday with wanting to create their own businesses! With seeing this constantly in my community and with people I know, I knew I had to write about it.
******Disclaimer*******
I AM NOT A FASHION EDITOR OF A MAGAZINE, I AM NOT A FASHION CRITIC, I AM NOT A KNOW-IT-ALL (fashion wise), I am only discussing what I love and posting my opinions. Therefore I am NOT here to judge any of these people I post, businesses I mention, and or designers I admire. This is to instead praise those with a great fashion sense and creativity to put pieces together to express themselves! Also giving businesses FREE PROMOTION, and post YOUNG AMBITIOUS Designers !
I AM NOT A FASHION EDITOR OF A MAGAZINE, I AM NOT A FASHION CRITIC, I AM NOT A KNOW-IT-ALL (fashion wise), I am only discussing what I love and posting my opinions. Therefore I am NOT here to judge any of these people I post, businesses I mention, and or designers I admire. This is to instead praise those with a great fashion sense and creativity to put pieces together to express themselves! Also giving businesses FREE PROMOTION, and post YOUNG AMBITIOUS Designers !
Also , this is my first list of designers and business owners I've came across ! The more I find, the more I'll post!
Finally, I asked 7 business owners about their brand, who they are, and how they started!
IVORY KUTTS
My name is Imani Kutti, born in Chicago but raised with an entirely different culture. My family is from Cote D'ivoire and Nigeria. My background has influenced every part of who I am, but don't be fooled I'm very much a Chicagoan *inserts tongue emoji*. My love for fashion was basically embedded in me since the beginning. I always thought of myself as some what fashion inclined, but in high school my style reached new heights. I started experimenting with literally every kind of look and now that I'm older, I have a grasp on my personal style. I always wanted to make a tangible version of the visions I had but I NEVER KNEW where to start, and I was going to start buying clothes and editing them to my taste. I said, I was a clothing site but I want to make it lucrative immediately. One thing about me is that I hate depending on someone or something, so my mom gave me the bright idea of learning how to sew on my own. Instead of ordering, purchasing, and waiting, I can go out and do it myself.
That became the birth of Ivory Kutts. Ivory for Ivory Coast, and Kutts because its cut and sew (plus my last name starts with a K lol). Courtesy of my bestfriend Taelour who helped me create the name. I wanted to create a brand that made women feel sexy, bold, and different. As of now, I'm using a lot of kente cloth and things of that nature but I plan to diversify my fabric and material in due time. My goal is for none of the pieces to be too similar, I want to make statement pieces for women to enjoy. I know that when women feel sexy, they're literally unstoppable! I've seen it, lol.
That became the birth of Ivory Kutts. Ivory for Ivory Coast, and Kutts because its cut and sew (plus my last name starts with a K lol). Courtesy of my bestfriend Taelour who helped me create the name. I wanted to create a brand that made women feel sexy, bold, and different. As of now, I'm using a lot of kente cloth and things of that nature but I plan to diversify my fabric and material in due time. My goal is for none of the pieces to be too similar, I want to make statement pieces for women to enjoy. I know that when women feel sexy, they're literally unstoppable! I've seen it, lol.
QUICK LINK TO HER PROMO VIDEO!!!!
https://twitter.com/luxxxin_/status/759933859873947652
https://twitter.com/luxxxin_/status/759933859873947652
PRINCE SHORT
I am Prince, the Creative Designer.
I am currently enrolled at Wade College for Graphic Design. Since my childhood, I've been attracted to dope things in life. Designing is much more than a passion for me , its my need to create, imagine and design.
About my Brand:
My new brand is going to show how I think and feel just like how musical artists put how they feel in their song but mine is going be put in to the designs I create. I just want be different then others which is why I'm taking my time with my new brand.
How it Started:
It all Started after I fell out of love with basketball and fell in love with Fashion in high school . In 2012 I created a brand called PHRESH (Pursue Happiness Reach Excellence and Strive Hard) in high school at Kenwood Academy ,after winning a Young entrepreneur contest in Chicago IL. The next year I was sent Hollywood LA for a second competition ,after losing it changed the way I think. Losing turned me into a stronger person. After that I know this was what I wanted to be, a designer. A couple of months after the contest, I lost my best friend Jarrett Willis, and that made me push harder with my brand because I realized that life is too short. This tragedy changed me and made me hustle hard. I started to design different shirts everyday and shot my own photos for clothes, just to let everybody know about my brand . After attending one year of college in IL, I moved to Dallas, TX and majored in Fashion Design at a private Art school called Wade College. Once I left Chicago I started to grow away from PHRESH, because I was busy with school. While going to school for Fashion Design, I started to create a new brand and logo that would most likely be released next year .I believe my new brand connects more to me and the way I think when it comes to creating new ideas and styles. I recently graduated with a degree in Fashion Design this year. Now I am going back to school to get a degree for graphic design. After I graduate, I plan on working for a big brand, then invest my money into my new brand .
I am currently enrolled at Wade College for Graphic Design. Since my childhood, I've been attracted to dope things in life. Designing is much more than a passion for me , its my need to create, imagine and design.
About my Brand:
My new brand is going to show how I think and feel just like how musical artists put how they feel in their song but mine is going be put in to the designs I create. I just want be different then others which is why I'm taking my time with my new brand.
How it Started:
It all Started after I fell out of love with basketball and fell in love with Fashion in high school . In 2012 I created a brand called PHRESH (Pursue Happiness Reach Excellence and Strive Hard) in high school at Kenwood Academy ,after winning a Young entrepreneur contest in Chicago IL. The next year I was sent Hollywood LA for a second competition ,after losing it changed the way I think. Losing turned me into a stronger person. After that I know this was what I wanted to be, a designer. A couple of months after the contest, I lost my best friend Jarrett Willis, and that made me push harder with my brand because I realized that life is too short. This tragedy changed me and made me hustle hard. I started to design different shirts everyday and shot my own photos for clothes, just to let everybody know about my brand . After attending one year of college in IL, I moved to Dallas, TX and majored in Fashion Design at a private Art school called Wade College. Once I left Chicago I started to grow away from PHRESH, because I was busy with school. While going to school for Fashion Design, I started to create a new brand and logo that would most likely be released next year .I believe my new brand connects more to me and the way I think when it comes to creating new ideas and styles. I recently graduated with a degree in Fashion Design this year. Now I am going back to school to get a degree for graphic design. After I graduate, I plan on working for a big brand, then invest my money into my new brand .
RON LOUIS
My name is Ron Louis and I'm a 23 year old fashion designer from Chicago. I made a name for myself by making custom designs for local celebs and entertainers in the city including Dreezy, King Louie, Demi Labo, TaRhonda Jones ( Porsha on Fox TV show Empire ), etc I have expanded to celebs like Amber Rose, Jerrika Karlae (Young Thugs fiance) etc. I originally wanted to brand my name before releasing a clothing line and PHERA is the first one from me and my team I also sew all of my samples. I attended the international academy of design and technology and had to drop for financial reasons but decided to not give up and continue to pursue my dreams I work with PRSVR as creative director and sometimes stylist.
PHERA came from me misspelling the word fear (fera) and represents individuals who are fearless when it comes to style and expressing themselves through my garments. PHERA is not for everyone but for anyone who are comfortable in their own skin
PHERA came from me misspelling the word fear (fera) and represents individuals who are fearless when it comes to style and expressing themselves through my garments. PHERA is not for everyone but for anyone who are comfortable in their own skin
GLORYUS
GLORYUS Brand was made in Chicago. West side of Chicago. We started of wanting to bring something street and original and out of the box out. We try to keep it simple and still put out our message and aesthetics.
The brand is a streetwear brand. We represent what you think of when you think of your favorite "go to T". We are a brand that learned and lived in a time where the Supreme's, BBC, BAPE, and Leaders were OG brands. We want to bring that flavor but with our own ideas and give the people something real.
The brand started back in high school to be exact. we spent good money on other brands merch and one day it clicked to start my own so I looked at all my favorite pieces and I took notes and started designing. Drawing ideas, we then put money up to invest and we here now.
The brand is a streetwear brand. We represent what you think of when you think of your favorite "go to T". We are a brand that learned and lived in a time where the Supreme's, BBC, BAPE, and Leaders were OG brands. We want to bring that flavor but with our own ideas and give the people something real.
The brand started back in high school to be exact. we spent good money on other brands merch and one day it clicked to start my own so I looked at all my favorite pieces and I took notes and started designing. Drawing ideas, we then put money up to invest and we here now.
daHOOOKup
Hello, my name is Zhané Aliya. I'm the owner of daHOOOKup, a online custom crochet boutique. At daHOOOKup, we feature our designs that are offered in any color chosen by the customer, as well as taking completely custom orders of crochet pieces not offered on our website. daHOOOKup is a fairly new business that I started planning earlier this year and finally launched June 6. I am a 19 years old college student who will be re-attending Clark Atlanta University as a Fashion Design major in January 2017. I'm currently taking a break from school and earlier this year the idea for selling crochet pieces came to me by way of my sister who saw a piece I made for myself. My mother taught me how to crochet about 12 years ago which was such a struggle at first that it brought me to tears (lol!) but with practice over the years Ive leavened to crochet without so much of the hassle. I took her idea of selling them on my Instagram and Twitter pages and turned it into an e-commerce business plan. After a lot of unnecessary procrastination, daHOOOKup has finally launched and is in its early growing stage.
2:03am
Who I am: Ryan watts. I'm a stain hitting, henny drinking, gate hopping young man on the south side of Chicago. I'm the owner of 2:03 am, a street brand I created, but also act and direct films for the brand.
What is 2:03 am?: 2:03 am is a street brand that represents the youth of Chicago. From Chicago lingo to the pastel colors being used, the brand is a mixture of Chicago culture and my personality. How 2:03 am was made: 2:03 am was made after realizing that I was extremely creative and started taking an interest in fashion. I looked at all the street brands in Chicago and could see myself fitting in yet standing out among everyone. I jumped in head first and started teaching myself how to make designs on illustrator and after a long a couple weeks, started making blueprints of video and photo shoot ideas to compliment the designs I was making.
What is 2:03 am?: 2:03 am is a street brand that represents the youth of Chicago. From Chicago lingo to the pastel colors being used, the brand is a mixture of Chicago culture and my personality. How 2:03 am was made: 2:03 am was made after realizing that I was extremely creative and started taking an interest in fashion. I looked at all the street brands in Chicago and could see myself fitting in yet standing out among everyone. I jumped in head first and started teaching myself how to make designs on illustrator and after a long a couple weeks, started making blueprints of video and photo shoot ideas to compliment the designs I was making.
K x D CUSTOMS
My name is Kyle Donegan, and I am from the south side of Chicago. I see myself as an “Artrepreneur” because art/fashion is what I love to do. I started customizing sneakers back in high school when my homie Christon introduced it do me. And ever since I applied myself and each day I’m working to perfect my craft. Many people think customizing is just throwing paint on a shoe, but its way more than that. It is a craft and skill that is earned throughout countless hours of hard work. Since I enjoy learning new things I challenge myself into making clothes, so I went out and bought a sewing machine. After doing my research I began to tackle this new hobby. I have made high quality shirts as well as customizing jeans. My plans in the future is to make a whole cut and sew line and have a fashion show featured throughout the states.
WANT TO GET IN CONTACT WITH THESE HUSTLERS?
Below I've listed ALL of their information!
Imani K, Owner of Ivory Kutts, Designer
IvoryKutts.com
[email protected]
Twitter @Luxxxin_
Datus Short, Owner of PRINCE SHORT, Designer
[email protected]
Instagram: @mindyourart
Ron Louis, Owner of PHERA, Designer
[email protected]
Instagram: @ron_louis
Ty, Owner of GLORYUS
[email protected]
Gloryusbrand.bigcartel.com
Instagram: @Gloryus.chicago
Zhané Horton, Owner of daHOOOKup, Designer
[email protected]
Dahoookup.bigcartel.com
Instagram : @DaHOOOKup
Ryan Watts , Owner of 2:03am
[email protected]
203am.bigcartel.com
Twitter: @203ampm
Kyle Donegan, Owner of K X D Customs, Designer
Kdclothing.bigcartel.com
[email protected]
Instagram/ Twitter: @_ _ _K_ D
IvoryKutts.com
[email protected]
Twitter @Luxxxin_
Datus Short, Owner of PRINCE SHORT, Designer
[email protected]
Instagram: @mindyourart
Ron Louis, Owner of PHERA, Designer
[email protected]
Instagram: @ron_louis
Ty, Owner of GLORYUS
[email protected]
Gloryusbrand.bigcartel.com
Instagram: @Gloryus.chicago
Zhané Horton, Owner of daHOOOKup, Designer
[email protected]
Dahoookup.bigcartel.com
Instagram : @DaHOOOKup
Ryan Watts , Owner of 2:03am
[email protected]
203am.bigcartel.com
Twitter: @203ampm
Kyle Donegan, Owner of K X D Customs, Designer
Kdclothing.bigcartel.com
[email protected]
Instagram/ Twitter: @_ _ _K_ D