While searching the internet for some cool up and coming designers I stumbled across a designer by J.R. who designs Distinguish'd Mind Clothing. The designs are very original and also very vibrant in color and art. This kid knows he has a talent and is going some where in life. When talking to him on Twitter he knew exactly where his company is headed and that's no where else but up. Besides when you're an upcoming brand with a nice buzz behind you the only thing you know is to #Succeed, failing isn't even in your mind set. Not even apart of your vocabulary. The company is based out of the Bay Area which I haven't been to yet but told it was dope scenery and also a very diverse hip hop culture there. My favorite piece is the Budweiser influenced Distinguish'd Super Bowl hoodie gotta cop that before the Supper Bowl game. This guys interview was definitely enjoyable and had a good time talkin to him. I asked about doing a interview and he said "Lets do it."
Check out the interview after the jump
Alius: Where is the company based out of?
DM: The company is based out of the bay area. We are right in between San Francisco and Sacramento, which has opened to very fashion forward markets to us.
Alius: What inspired your work?
DM: Our work is heavily inspired by everyday life. I find inspiration in everything I do. Music, art, dancing, poetry, words, little kids, adults, partying, literally everything can be inspiration toward our next design, and big idea.
Alius: What does the name mean?
DM: This is always my favorite question to answer. Distinguish'd Minds Clothing.
"Distinguish'd - Successful, authoritative, and commanding great respect.
Showing dignity or authority in one's appearance or manner.
Mind - The element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; the faculty of consciousness."
Alius: What other ventures are you working on?
DM: We are a very active company, not only do we do clothing, But we host Art expos as well, which display some of the bay area's hottest up and coming talent from music, to poetry, dancing, sculpture, fashion drawing, all the above. Hence these are things that inspire the company. Also we are looking to launch the #whygrind campaign, launching here in 2012 soon. the why grind campaign, will be interviews of every artists possible, documenting why they grind, and the hardships faced to reach their goals. we are looking to raise $1million, to give back to artistry projects with people who participated in the project. everyone is allowed to participate, i wouldn't care if school was your grind, tell us why you do it.
Alius: What are your goals in life?
DM:Personally my goals in life are to get back on the baseball field and still build my career their, and give the people what they want and build the lifestyle behind this brand, and inspire people with my God given talents.
the Goals for the brand to just continue to expand, and change the game. we always aim for the highest bar.
Alius: What does Fashion mean or stand for in your eyes?
the Goals for the brand to just continue to expand, and change the game. we always aim for the highest bar.
Alius: What does Fashion mean or stand for in your eyes?
DM:To me fashion has always been a way to express yourself. really think about it. when a girl or guy wants to attract the opposite sex they always wear their best stuff, and make sure they look really nice. also, think the reason why homeless people are so disrespected is also because of their presentation. with that said you get back what you give with fashion. if you take the time to look nice, you will get the compliments and feel absolutely amazing. my dad always told me, "if you look nice, you'll play your best." that by far is the truth with everything. it goes for a designer too. if you take the time out to make quality product, and really build a lifestyle with your brand, it will become a fashion statement. people can sense when you are working hard, and always want to be a part of that lifestyle. diamond supply is a perfect example of that, they have a ton of diamond lifers. we have team distinguish'd and the team is growing larger and larger everything day. its a crazy yet amazing feeling when people you have never seen or met or even talked to are saying they are a lifer for your brand.
Alius: What is the fashion game missing the most right now?
DM: Right now the fashion game is missing originality. every brand has the same feel, in a sense. i mean i do love what fashion is about though, so i don't knock it, but like i always say, little things go a long way. brands need to brand out and take their time a little more, and just be unique. other than that i love where fashion is headed as far as brands. i think individuals should be a litter more unique also in their dressed styles, and learn to make things their own in style. like i love seeing people who just know how to put together clothing. i always said its not about the label but the person who wears it. i love being able to see people mix a YSL belt with a crewneck, or even a pear of chucka's dress up shoes with denim. to me these people are the one's keeping fashion alive. hyped styles are cool, and i love they way they look, but be able to mix it up. but as i stated before i love all styles no doubt.
Alius: Where do you and the company plan on being in the next 5 years?
Man I appreciate you taking the time to interview us, and I loved the questions of choice. look forward to working with you guys in the future as well, keep up the great work.
J.R.
Distinguish'd Minds Clothing
www.distinguishdminds.blogspot.com
http://distinguishdminds.storenvy.com/
"Distinguish yourself from the rest."
Alius: What is the fashion game missing the most right now?
DM: Right now the fashion game is missing originality. every brand has the same feel, in a sense. i mean i do love what fashion is about though, so i don't knock it, but like i always say, little things go a long way. brands need to brand out and take their time a little more, and just be unique. other than that i love where fashion is headed as far as brands. i think individuals should be a litter more unique also in their dressed styles, and learn to make things their own in style. like i love seeing people who just know how to put together clothing. i always said its not about the label but the person who wears it. i love being able to see people mix a YSL belt with a crewneck, or even a pear of chucka's dress up shoes with denim. to me these people are the one's keeping fashion alive. hyped styles are cool, and i love they way they look, but be able to mix it up. but as i stated before i love all styles no doubt.
Alius: Where do you and the company plan on being in the next 5 years?
DM:I think our company can make a huge leap within the next 5 years. we have an amazing team, many behind the scenes, and the growth that we have made just in 5 months has truly been a blessing. if we can remain on this path for the next five years i think we can have a control in the fashion industry. we will be easing into cut and sew stuff very soon, giving us a much more well rounded selection. so far, you guys have just seen the beginning. but more than anything, just remember to always "distinguish yourself from the rest."
Man I appreciate you taking the time to interview us, and I loved the questions of choice. look forward to working with you guys in the future as well, keep up the great work.
J.R.
Distinguish'd Minds Clothing
www.distinguishdminds.blogspot.com
http://distinguishdminds.storenvy.com/
"Distinguish yourself from the rest."
this is extremely dope. no doubt.
ReplyDeleteim still trying to cop that budwieser sweater. where can i get that.
ReplyDeletedope story i'm going to have to keep up with this brand
http://distinguishdminds.storenvy.com/
Delete