What label,brand, or company are you with? And what is your title.
Generation of Dreamers. Owner/Creative Director
What kind of products does Generation of Dreamers specialize in?
Most people would classify it as street wear. Our jackets and custom snapbacks have attracted the most attention. Handcrafted items. The world says streetwear, Generation of Dreamers says art you can wear.
How did you get into this business?
I had a clothing brand in middle school and my first year out of college but didnt take it serious. My grandmother, mother, and aunt are all phenomenal seamstresses and that creative juice and talent was passed down to me. After having one too many horrible experiences in the corporate world, I decided it was time to step out on faith and do what I have always done and loved. And this time, I looked in the mirror and took myself seriously. Generation of Dreamers was created!
When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a scientist or ride BMX! I used to play with bugs and chemistry sets. I would always take things apart and put them back together. If I wasn’t doing that, my friends and I would always be in the back alley building and jumping ramps with our bikes. EVERYDAY!
As a clothing brand where does Generation of Dreamers get it’s inspiration for designs?
What kind of thought process goes into your collection?
It may sound cliche but life. It can be a lyric a MC spits that sparks an image in my head. Baltimore, my city, has experienced over 35 shootings in the past 4 weeks. Hearing shots outside inspired a shirt. I’m not a rapper but I do have views I want to express so I try to create a vivid and original image of whats going on in my mind, my peers, my community, and my generation. Process? There is not set process. I never sit down and say “ok I have to design the Fall collection now”. I literally design as I live. I stay away from fashion blogs and clothing sites to prevent influence. and I usually blast music that matches my mind state and travel.
How does Generation of Dreamers feel about “Brand Jacking” where a brand mimics the
designs of another brand?
I hate it! Its not at all original. If a brand feels the need to copy another brand than that company should stop making clothing bc clearly you dont have what it takes! Its like copying off someones elses exam in school. Its disrespectful to the actual brand that developed the idea. I’ve noticed a large number of the bigger more established brands doing this to up and coming brands. Brands that flat copy designs should be sued or pay royalties. Brands should also make sure they are copyrighting design before releasing it.
How did you come up with the name Generation of Dreamers?What does it mean or stand for?
A friend and I were speaking on how spite out parents and parents generation can be. I said something along the lines “their dreams died when Martin Luther King Jr did. they forgot how to dream bigger. we come from generation of dreamers.” Generation of Dreamers…GOD. My GOD is my light, the reason I am.
With the explosion of social media, what does Generation of Dreamers do to build
brand exposure?
What social network is most important to your brand?
Personally I think Instagram has become most useful. In this ADHD society you have to make it as simple as possible for people to see what your crafting. However the brand doesnt solely depend on social media for exposure. Blogs, Websites, and collabs are still great. Although social media is great for spreading a message we do try yo stay away from selling on those platforms and more so showcase the brand.
What is one style from the past that you wish was still popular?
None. Never really been interested in whats popular, its what most dope. A style doesnt have to be popular for me to wear it or to find it.
What is a current trend that you cannot stand?
Animal print, modifying another brands logo, other designers/artist artwork printed on t-shirts, dead artist, digital religious shirts. You will not see that from Generation of Dreamers
Snapback or Fitted? Why?
I love both! Snapbacks are more economical because you’re never stuck with odd sizes. Fitteds have a more classic look though.
Low tops or High Tops? Why?
Unless its Nike Air Max 1’s or New Balance, its High Tops all the way. I feel like High Tops have more character.
What is Generation of Dreamers thoughts on todays street wear scene?
Over saturated. Its become a trend in itself to be an artist or creative. The fashion game is like the rap game. people stand back and say “oh I can do that too” instead of “i cant imagine my life without this”. Its looked at as a way to “get rich quick” and to garner some type of relevance or importance in a world that doesn’t acknowledge them. We can tell by the lack of creativity of the pieces and collections that brands drop. Eventually it will even out. There is a new wave and energy in the streetwear world that is creating and
cultivating the scene.
What does Generation of Dreamers see for the future of this industry?
You know, I dont know how to answer that. I will say that brick and mortar stores will become less important and overseas vendor more important.
As a brand what is one of the best things for Generation of Dreamers about being in this industry?
The freedom of expressions and connecting with people from around the globe with the designs. Its really refreshing when you can express your deepest thoughts and feelings and know people feel 100% were it comes from or can identify and understand it. The most exciting thing is how wide open it is in a way. “The industry shady, it need to be taken over” Jay-Z
What is one of the worst things about this industry?
It would have to be the more established brands that copy or mimic designs from smaller brands. tradeshows make you upcoming collection visible to industry insiders and they steal. The financial stress is one of the worst things too. dedicated most of your money to business and bills can be a strain.
How would you quickly describe Generation of Dreamers past 5 years in one short
sentence.
Its like being lost in the right direction.
How long is your average work day at Generation of Dreamers?
24/7
How many core members/employees are on your Generation of Dreamers team?
Me, Myself, and I
What sneakers did you rock as a kid?
Typical Nikes mainly. My parents didnt believe in spending more that $50 on shoes and wouldnt buy more than 3 pair in a year. Didnt really get into sneakers until high school. Then it became Jordans and New Balance. We love New balances here in Baltimore.
What brand names were you rocking back in the day?
FUBU lol. I used to love me some FUBU. Other than that a plain white tee or something I made.
In your opinion, other then Generation of Dreamers what other brands are on the come-up in this industry?
I love the Casheletes and The Freed Minds. These two are my favs.
If you had to give up Generation of Dreamers today and go work for a fast food joint, which fast food joint would it be?
I wouldnt, I’d burn the fast food place down and find a way to get my business back.
What was your first job?
Cashier at Best Buy
What will see coming from Generation of Dreamers in the future?
there will be a split. There will be a more complete offering of mid level and high end products. I want to make sure its affordable for my people and that my true mavens always have something to look forward to.
According to Generation of Dreamers what trends will be big in 2013 / 2014?
“Retro” will be big again. Jerseys, air for ones. Thrifting will
always become a bigger trend,
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