Recently we caught up with a brand that is a recent addition to the Dropcents fam. They focus on quality products and crisp designs for their brand and see the industry moving toward a more minimal, understated approach…Meet Livin Elite!
What label, brand, or company are you with? And what is your title?
I am the Founder and Owner of Livin Elite Apparel.
What kind of products does Livin Elite specialize in?
Currently, we specialize in premium t-shirts. The brand is going to
expand into hats, long sleeves, hoodies, tanks in the near future.
How did you get into this business?
I got into this business because I have always had a love for
sneakers and unique clothing. I always wanted to find brands that no
one else had because there was an exclusive factor to that.
When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I have always wanted to be an Entrepreneur.
As a clothing brand where do you get your inspiration for designs?
What kind of thought process goes into your collection?
Before I get inspiration for designs, I base a lot of the focus on
quality. I want to offer the best product possible to the customer. I
focus on only using premium fabrics and the best printing techniques.
Design inspiration comes from the day to day life. I always carry a
notebook with me and will write down any ideas that come up when I get
them.
How do you fell about “Brand Jacking” where a brand mimics the
designs of another brand?
I have never liked it but I do think it will always occur. There are
currently so many brands out there that I feel like sometimes it
happens accidentally.
How did you come up with the name “Livin Elite”? What does it mean
or stand for?
I came up with the name because I always wanted to start a company
where the consumers could have a sense of connection with. Livin
Elite, “For those of you who never stop, never question your dreams,
and never lose ambition in life.” I want people to, “Find their elite”
and go for it. That is the meaning behind the name.
With the explosion of social media, what do you guys do to build
brand exposure? What social network is most important to Livin Elite?
I have always felt social media is a great thing for businesses. You
will find Livin Elite on: Facebook, twitter, instagram, and tumblr. What
I try to do is stay true to the brand when using social media. I will
post inspirational videos and quotes and I am always trying to
motivate to do what they love. I also will post information on
individuals sponsored by Livin Elite and show their day to day and
what it is like.
What is one style from the past that you wish was still popular?
When I was little, light up shoes used to be pretty awesome. Who
knows, I’m sure some brand will try to bring that back.
What is a current trend that you cannot stand?
I would have to say the full blown camo trend. I don’t even mind it
but it just shows how trends could be annoying because some select
brands brought it back but since it grew now everyone is doing camo in
the industry.
Snapback or Fitted? Why?
Thats a hard one because I love both. I will basically leave it at it
depends on the outfit.
Low tops or High Tops? Why?
Low tops, There is nothing better than a tee and jeans with a fresh
pair of white air force one lows.
What are your thoughts on todays street wear scene?
I feel that too many brands are not being true to themselves and just
copying bigger brands like diamond, stussy, and obey. They are the
game changers but it is always important to be unique in the industry.
It just takes more time to get known but that is sometimes not a bad
thing.
What do you see for the future of this industry?
I could tell that the future trend of the overall industry will be
simplicity with designs. You could see people are now starting to just
rock blank tees going out and I think that will be the new thing in
the upcoming seasons.
What is one of the best things about being in this industry?
Being able to do what you love is awesome. But the other awesome
thing that will never get old is when you see someone rocking one of
your shirts.
What is one of the worst things about this industry?
It would have to be how the retail world works. They will carry the
bigger brands and when your a smaller brand, it is hard to get their
attention. Also, you will also see the bigger brands start to slack on
their design quality because the audience will rock anything that just
says their brand name. But I do want to give a S/O to Black Scale
because they do their own thing and are doing great things in the
industry.
How would you quickly describe your past 5 years in one short
sentence?
A great experience
How long is your average work day?
5-10 hours
How many core members/employees are on your team?
I run the day to day but I have a great team that includes my
printer, manufacturer, and designers.
What sneakers did you rock as a kid?
Would rock jordans, adidas, and new balance. My favorite sneakers I
had as a kid were the classic black air jordans 14.
What brand names were you rocking back in the day?
I rocked penguin, billabong, some other stuff from the mall.
In your opinion, what brands other than Livin Elite are on the come-up in this
industry?
I would have to say Breezy Excursion, I have been seeing a lot of
them lately. Also, congrats to pink dolphin exploding in the past few
years.
If you had to give up your brand today and go work for a fast food
joint, which fast food joint would it be?
Portillos. I could probably eat there everyday.
What was your first job?
I worked at a Italian beef shop.
What will see coming from your brand in the future?
A lot of simple design pieces utilizing different colors and Livin
Elite set ups. One clue is that the brand is going to move into a
vintage city look for the next drop. It is going to be a very unique
look.
What trends will be big in 2013 / 2014?
I will have to stick to my word on this simplistic trend. I think
blanks and tiny print locations is going to be the next trend
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.