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Interview by: Afrika Brown.
When ever I sit down to watch a Custo Barcelona fashion show I prepare myself to view a collection of Matisses – an array of colorful masterpieces. The fashion of Custo Barcelona is perfect for any fearless fashionista. Their clothes are bold, in vivid multi-hues and are not for the fashion timid. Women and men who wear Custo ooze confidence and announce to the world that, “I am here.” Custo Dalmau was raised in Barcelona and first studied architecture. After taking a motorcycle trip around the world and being influenced by the colorful psychedelic clothes by California surfers, Custo and his brother David created Custo Barcelona. Initially beginning with a line of t-shirts, the brand has become a major force in fashion, and has won many design awards, including Marie Claire's Designer of the Year Award, and the GQ fashion award.
The newest venture for Custo Barcelona is a line of accessories, released in spring ‘09. Below, Custo Barcelona Spring 2010, RTW collection.
The new accessory's line includes sunglasses, sneakers, watches and cologne. Recently I got a chance to ask head designer Custo Dalmau a few questions about the economy, their new accessory line and the future of Custo Barcelona.
AB: Why did you decide to launch an accessories line, especially during this dismal global economy?
CB: The project
to launch accessories for CB is something that has been in the works for years. We work with long, mid and short term plans in the company of which our long term plans include product launches. All of our products are a result of years of creativity, planning and the ability to express ourselves. We do not believe we need to stop expressing ourselves in these economic times.
AB: My favorite of the new accessories line is the shoes. Each of them is as bold and unique as your clothes. What made you choose to add ath
letic footwear under the Custo Barcelona brand?
CB: Custo Barcelona designs for a lifestyle which includes a wide range of needs. We feel sneakers are a basic necessity in today's lifestyle so we created our interpretation of that sneaker.
AB: Did you and David decide on all the pieces of the accessories line?
CB: We work with a large team of talented designers that understand our philosophy; however I am more involved in the final design of each product. My brother, David, oversees the area of production.
AB: It has been said that, “It is difficult to come up with a word that would define Custo Barcelona's clothing.” How would you describe Custo Barcelona to a fashion novice?
CB: To describe the brand in one word is a little difficult, but some words that come to mind are: graphic, colorful, fresh, unique, Mediterranean [and] non-conventional.
AB: You ha
ve received numerous awards and worldwide recognition, what motivates you to keep creating?
CB: Creating is a way of expression. We are motivated by the opportunity to reinvent ourselves every six months through a new collection each season. We are committed to this project and that is all the motivation we need. 
AB: You have conquered the fashion world and soon will have people lining up to buy your accessories, what is next for the Custo Barcelona brand?
CB: We will continue to add categories to the line, open stores around the globe and cater to our fans while the product is in demand.
Right: Afrika Brown styles an NYC local in Custo Barcelona.
Interview conducted especially for: www.custobarcelona.com. Special thanks to ASI Marketing Group: www.asi-mkt.com.
People, people, people. Darn us good ole' people. We and our actions are the most inconsistent vessels on this planet. With that mere statement be known, you'd expect most adult folk to behave or control situations in a way that would protect us from our own defects and successfully twirl us through our ladder of objectives, up a social circle, secure business contacts or succeed by way of any other reason you discover yourselves dealing with individuals. But in this day and age of friendship fall-outs, break-ups, miscommunication, burned bridges and plain ole' devalue of one another, a mishap of these matters in some lifestyles could bring about a crippling halt to the goals of your personal life or career path. Most times we find it inevitable to avoid the stresses and frustration of having to deal with a situation before it throws your life off track and leaves you with the worst feeling of unease after one of these occurrences. Am I right or what?
But why does an on-going relationship seem so scarce? Do people find it appeasing not to be in it for the long haul? Is that appealing to you?--Well, not to me. Unfortunately it makes us all seem like the person on the scene who doesn't easily conform, get along with. The person whose soul has the deepest pit of emptiness and is least connectible to. In big cities, is it due to the opportunist that we are? Or maybe it's by the distractions of so many ways of free intoxication? Avoidable toxins and poisons that seemingly allow distraction into relationships. Do I smell too many Vodka and Cranberry's within your drunken reactions? Reactions to situations that wouldn't have dared been the outcome before drinking hours. Enduring the corruption of others in your quest of gaining their acceptance. Relying on other's approval while you ignore your own needs of stability and seek some sort of validation. Are you focusing more time on our nightlife and event happenings rather then focusing on your actual life long goals?
Well, let me tell you. The core to it all is maintaining a clear focus over your entire entree of affiliations. First and foremost, a "friendship" is an existence that will always need our detailed attention. Your detailed attention will prevent it from becoming your derailed rendition. As with an"associate"? As tedious as it may seem, the needs of this form of connection will forever need your undivided protection. Listen up ego-obsessors, I'm going to break it down for you. Clearly, the "A" in associate stands for everything from accessory and accessibility to advancement and advantage so we won't sit here and convince you not to waste your time holding associates to the same high standards as "friends".Yet I will say that by natural default, operating with folks on the sole basis of association rides the fine line of separation between allie and enemy. Most know that with the gain point of anyone claiming you as their "friend", thoughts of backstabbing and betrayal are immediately thrown out of the window. Then not overlooking the fact that certain relations need your extra sprinkle should flicker these friendships onto a greater cause and allow you to discover things about an individual that you never ever would have expected to benefit from. Highpoints and pro's of this twindling venture.
Yet with "associates", this co-existence resumes a role of offering various reasons to the overall cause of you all's bonding and sometimes provides unexpected mishaps all due to the untimely expectations of these bonds, thus allowing negative results to rage being that we barely know what is acceptable for one another. Association is more so a weak bridge to understanding chemistry which floats above a deep sea of misunderstanding, chance and opportunity from a business, personal attraction or socially fulfilling perspective. These business, personal attraction and socially fulfilling perspectives are the main three effects that will coincide with your affiliations fate while on this "associate" level. I call association the "fork in the road". A test that checks for early signs of compatibility and so forth. The bridge where emotions collide and endless relationship possibility's are on the forefront. Unless you walk around in life, completely content with having un-obligated connections with other citizens, then you will cross the bridge of association at some point. So my point is to be careful crossing the bridge, or else you'll end up down the road to creating an enemy by default from an instant mental misconception over your lack of understanding of one another.
I'm telling you to literally nourish your relationships like plants, therefore water them with your genuine love, which should flow life through your alliance's and develop your bond's strength. Nourish them, with sunshine which equals daytime hours to encourage expansion, and to see you in a "real" light. Nourish them, by dwelling in different soil, so that entering obnoxious and agitating nightlife scenes never becomes familiarized with 'hanging out'. Nourish them, by trimming weeds of new circle members, so that you knock-out each of those toxic, bad seeds. Nourish them, that is if you truly do care about the proceeds of your unpredictable associations future.
of honesty and my most prized, "Respect". It'll furthermore bring about shine to any true character within us without us even trying. Not being straight up about your feelings or not providing people with genuineness will only led to gossip and betrayal. Seriously y'all, our acquaintances only want to be understood, try it you'll see.
With Top Model adding the most fuel to the fire, with its primary audience geared at girls between the ages of 13-21, Tyra Banks is one of the many people that has this industry barfing with bitterness and placed it with an excess of anxious hopefuls. But what our beloved young lady's and gentlemen haven't taught themselves is that it is far more to becoming a reputable model then being the flyest in your school, hiring a photographer to take photos of you and participating in amateur fashion shows. Nonetheless, these aren't even close to the basics. Modeling is an Art, a craft. Not what our, "snap your fingers" fierce readers want to hear, no. Yet a model is comparable to pure clay or even children's "Play-doe". Clay that is more about being molded, conforming, adaptation, preservation, quality and developing inner beauty while showcasing your natural attributes in collaboration with another artist- rather then forcing yourself to strut harder then Naomi Campbell.
None the less, there are over all an entire increase to the industry with shows like "Bravo's, Project Runway" inspiring every needle and threading knitter to be the next Ralph Lauren and Alexander McQueen. Thank the Lord! This means an increase in runway jobs, look books and advertisements, Hallelujah! But is it enough to sustain and bring a balance to our industry? Not to mention that reality shows actually promote the illusion of glamor, fame and fortune right along with our media which is after all, the biggest bad ass of this whole situation. And you would think, wouldn't our world want more models of color and distinctive races piercing the industry? Yes, I do- but if their aren't an equivalent amount of "professional" outlets for us to succeed, it simply compares to an unemployment rate. I asked a friend, Jalika Gaskin signed with Q models in New York and Elite models in Miami, also recently featured on the cover of CLAM magazine and The Italian Vogue's All black issue, her views of my epic:
Lavishing upon quotes, next comes the beloved, legendary booking agent, Bethann Hardison when she stood strong with her disinterest in many of the new faces from the 21st century overflow, including then newcomer Chanel Iman. Her statement followed suit of The New York Observer's questioning of Chanel being the only black model to land the cover of 2007's new faces issue of vogue. "I don't think she's exciting!" Said Bethann. "Get me as controversial as you want, because that's who I am! I think she's very childlike. I like her—I think she's a very wonderful little girl—but there's no one exciting out there right now." 
I respectively love Bethann for her contributions to this industry therefore I believe her words have formulated with a highly respectable regard to the inappropriate validation of several newcomers and the lack of intrigue within their overall "look". It all follows suit to the mutating pathways that lead to our fashion industry's standard. I personally assert that her quote meant nothing more then, "find me somebody just as strong or stronger in presence and uniqueness as Tyson and Naomi, then I'll endorse them- and get excited." Not to mention, "when the industry regains its exclusivity and high standard- then let me know."
project where I had put my best art skills to work. In modeling, this comparison is given to the outcome of a photo shoot or such. I started professional modeling in 2006, the year before the overflow began(in my opinion), which gave me a good year to roar ahead of the soar of newcomers that would flock to major city's in 2007. Not to say that I'm stuck in a rut, but it has been a challenge to remain stable and keep it trucking up my career ladder with so many new faces and races pushing for the #1 spot and still living my everyday life. Just imagine if Naomi would have made her debut in 2006 as opposed to 1986, when she graced the covers of Elle and Vogue magazines. Her household name would be un-heard of and the beauty and talents that highlighted her rise to the top, well- would clearly be over-looked.
Under the changed alias of "Omahira", I pray that Ms. Mota met her quota. Marching with a quiet return, O's fans hold hope that they're witnessing the re-birth to another mile long run of her edgy, androgynous, high-held reign on the London catwalks. She threw us a surprise by rising to the occasion via London's FM modeling agency and their SS2010 show package. A comeback far from slack, London chicks, you'd better watch your back.
"Name: Omahira, Height: 5'9.5, Bust: 33.5, Waist: 23.5, Hips: 35, Shoes: 7, Hair: Brown, Eyes: Brown."
Photo courtesy of Models.com on behalf of The FM Agency, London, UK.
She's a What!? He's a Who!?
Name(s): Edwina and Jennifer, Ofori.
Origin: Ghanese Descent. Born and raised in New York.
*Triumphant Discovery's: You can't run a business alone. "I am glad to have my sister as my partner, we work well together."
Top 5 Creativity Essentials: 1.) God! 2.) Confidence / An Ego 3.) Support of family & friends 4.) Optimism 5.) Acceptance of Failure (it's part of Growth) 6.) Drive - it won't allow you to ever give up even if you want to. (sorry they HAD to add 6).
Influence: Josette
Within our existence, the results of your daily shop drops revolving upon a gracious rack, favored finding or a personalized sample size is simply well, not a normality. While spotting a promise on a rack is quite limited, in Fashion House "Zhozet Incorporated", your sure to encounter "endless possibilities".
Sisters Jennifer and Edwina Ofori are setting standards and breaking stereotypes for African-American females in a big, thriving city. From the delicacy of their craft, to their enchanting vision, artistic collections and embrace of purity, Zhozet has truly incorporated a vision that allows clientele to embrace their own distinct elegance. "We've merged our dreams to build a brand where our love for fashion and elegance has intertwined." Says co-owner Edwina.
Exhilarated and equipped, I journed for a quiet conversation with the two sisters. Truly, Zhozet gave an innovative approach to 'Moda' at 13 Stanton st. Quietly pleated into a strip of auspicious small businesses, their establishment stood strong, firm and polished amongst their gritty, art-scaped neighbors on little ole' Stanton st. Collectively, their fresh store front added a cheek yet definitive shine to the entirety of this classic Manhattan neighborhood. My observations rode fine and elegant amongst their ethnically inspired abode on this Lower East Side block of New York City.
Triumph: Afternoon Lady's, How's everything?
Pearly white smiles accented by angular faces and chiseled features granted me a double greeting. Rosy smiles and "how do you do's", a lively fashion ridden below the tunes of "Neyo", as well as the unraveling of my notepad.
Triumph: Alright, so I've known you guys for about one year now- and I've seen all sorts of colors, styles, cuts and textures so overall, what would you say is Zhozet boutique's specialty?
Jenn: Well- altogether Zhozet provides a haven of unique designs for fashion conscience woman. We represent designers that understand fashion trends and understand our clients need for that distinct look.
Edwina: Pretty much each designer offers us a piece that gives us a story to present to our clients.
Triumph: Mnnnnn, nice- and how has the industry reacted to your boutiques specialty's?
Edwina: Very well from a clients aspect because our pieces are one of it's kind. Everyone seems to love the exclusivity, the fits, customization- the list goes on. We offer a lot without breaking your pockets.
Above: Sisters & owners, (l-r) Edwina and Jennifer Ofori.
Triumph: What have been a few of you all's challenges as a boutique?- and how have you two overcome them?
Jenn: Well one of the challenges we've experienced is getting people to recognize the concept and brand. During the hard economic times, people are scared to explore a new fashion outlet and it seems to me that the term "exclusive" has deterred people from wanting to explore what we're about being that the term "exclusive" generally goes with the word "expensive".
Edwina: Another thing we've done to overcome our challenges is focusing on marketing. We host monthly shopping events such as Shecky's, "Girls Night Out" while focusing on online advertising and things like trunk shows to give our clients the opportunity to know what our "exclusivity" is all about.
Triumph: Wooh girls night out, huh? Sounds super exclusive. *Wink*
Edwina: *Laughs* Yea, but we haven't overcome any challenges altogether. No one ever does. Business has improved but we are consistently looking to take Zhozet to the next level. We're looking more into branding the experience were providing.
Triumph: That sounds like a solution- and I say this because I've noticed that people don't just want to shop anymore. Especially in a crowded store, so I'm sure this new shop by appointment gimmick is setting you all sorts of waves apart from that cliche'.
Edwina: Oh yes, were innovating a lot. We're even gearing up for wines to be served for our shop by appointment clients. I'm pretty excited to see how they'll respond to that.
Triumph: Hmm, well I know where I need to bring my momma!
Ofori's: *Laughs*
Triumph: In three words, how would you describe your boutique?
Jenn: Exciting..... Chic- Unconventional.
Triumph: Well, that's quite a range.
Edwina: *Smirk* Hence our slogan, "endless possibility's".
Triumph: Yes, that's true. So what exactly sparked this Zhozet vision?
Edwina: Well I got most of my inspirations going to a fashion school. I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Marketing and an Associate of Arts in Merchandising and Buying. After college, I worked for a few people but I was always determined to work for myself. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm into fashion- I always sketch and outline things so the creativity and coordinating came natural.
Jenn: There's also a huge sentimental value behind our name, Tony. The boutiques name derives from our younger sister Josette but we choose to pronounce the boutique based upon it's French pronunciation of "Zhozet". It's our way of dedication to Josette being that she's mentally disabled so it serves as a way to bring us altogether for a family oriented business.
Triumph: Wow, you girls are blowing me away. There's sooo much inspiration behind this camp. Where are you guys from?
Edwina: We're both born and raised in New York but our parents are from Ghana.
Triumph: And what type of morals did they raise you under?- Has it impacted the way that you run your business?
Jenn: My parents always pushed hard for us to achieve as children- and now as an adult, my biggest two terms are patience and determination.
*Edwina nods her head to agree*
Jenn(continued): And patience is a bitch to maintain, but we have to keep hustling for success.
Triumph: Wooh-hooh. Bravo! *Applause*
*Exchange of laughter*
Triumph: What about your childhood as a whole, did it help you to define the passion that you have for your work?
Edwina: Oh for sure. We watched our parents host lots of party's growing up. They were social butterfly's. I'd sit and watch my mom get ready to go out with her friends, most of them were from the Studio 54 era. My mother had such fabulous friends- one was so fab that she had every detail of fashion down packed from the furs, shades, expensive wigs, crazy colors, everything- you name it. Yet in the long run I actually think this particular friend of my moms was a man dressed as a woman, but she in particular inspired me so much with her boldness. When she and my mom were getting ready I'd always run and grab my sketch book and sketch out everything they were wearing.
Jenn: Yea, I would always go through my mothers jewelry, shoes, makeup and especially her clothes. And then my father, he's magnificent African artist.
Triumph: Are you serious? What's his name?-- My grandfather collects loads of African work. It spooked me out so bad when I was a little kid but as an adult I think it's such a great craft. What is your fathers name?
Jenn: Edwin Atta' Ofori. He actually graduated from FIT.
Triumph: Ah, I see. And as far as your educational experiences go, did any of it influence you to start the business?
Edwina: Well I'm an FIT graduate just like my father so I had no choice but to be inspired through college.
Jenn: My educational experiences helped me with understanding the process of building a successful business. I generally just utilize everything that I've learned.
*I raised from my seat to browse their pieces while Jenn circled the store to assist a few guest. A glide into their mixed and matched racks offered me a variety of appeals that fused an infatuating bond between myself and most of their collections. I'd like to call them, great endorsers of "Trend Bending".*
Triumph: Edwina, which of these designers have been the most successful in Zhozet?
Edwina: I'd have to say Kephera designs.
Triumph: Oh yea?
Edwina: Yes, she has a very creative mind with the patterns and colors. And she likes to work with denim to create timeless pieces for a lot of occasions. Plus when she gets custom orders they're never a problem for her to handle.
Triumph: So I'm assuming most designers appeal to your average working class female?
Edwina: Oh definitely not, we just had a whole swarm of girls come in looking for prom dresses not too long ago. We've actually sold about three of the one right next to you, this week.
*Edwina pointed to a mini dress with a complicated design, funky patterns and an Afro-centric scheme. As opposed to classic earth tones, this design showcased a distinctive use of neon colors while maintaining an afro-centric appeal.*
Triumph: Well, you guys seem to have a pretty consistent customer base. What type of new clients are you looking to bring in?
Edwina: Editors, bloggers, celebrity stylist....
*Jen tunes in*
Jenn: Socialites, celebrity's, the whole nine!
Triumph: Haha, you tell em' Jen. Alright, alright! I hear it,'cause you know what they say, your possibility's are endless.
*Triumphant Discovery's: Obligations or endearments that were discovered in the process of creating their business. Things that they would have never known without undergoing the process of this creation.
~Interview conducted specifically for: www.zhozet.com~
Thanks for tuning in!
Peace and Discovery,
Tony Triumph
The intitial sense of hope and ease that has allowed my mental state to cope with the death of Micheal Jackson is the fact that I always related to him as a mystical being, like a magical spirit. Someone who is inaccessible, un-human.
in 50 years. He surpassed more barriers as a child star then most living legends have in the entire run of their careers. Some people need a hundred years to make an impact, MJ- he only needed half of that. He was my biggest inspiration, exhilaration and empowerment. His accomplishments were the lead behind my determination. The magic behind my mystery. Ultimately, he showcased a kinship to my mystical worth and its priceless value.
1 Luv,
Tony Triumph
...how far will you truly bend?True, were all so fly in our own distinctive way, bending over boutiques backwards and busting our wages just to keep track of fashions crazy stages, adhering to a crazy color, one way or another. Sporting those geekster glasses, rocking our flannel lumber jack shirts, purple skinny jeans, blue pumps and sporting converse chucks without giving two-f*cks. Seemingly, it is now ok to be a nerd, construction worker, a prince wanna-be or a crayon box. Even noticeably, rocking over sized outerwear which furiously carrys out the new, "Homeless" look better then a bum ever could. As intense as we know it, we hold it down for what's hot in our town.
Yet how far will we truly change our native fashion familiarity's to bend for a trend? And coherently, is the trend ideally worth it? Well, Ashley Olsen undoubtedly thought it was appropriate to prolong the strut of her signature, "homeless" look as you see above.
But for me, it took nearly half a decade just to start rocking skinny jeans. So once we conform....
Does grandma look at your trend as a symptom of sin? Does your momma frown at your new, unfamiliar fit? Honestly afraid of your clothing actions due to others ignorant reactions?
Are you so saddled in labels that your girlfriend puts your manhood on the table? Or without a doubt couldn't wear back at home in the "hood", out of fear of losing your street credibility all for good?
Not so sure?-- Well, lets start with how its all defined.
Trend- To show a tendency(repeat). My Definition- A given fad during an undisclosed time period depicted from an original, creative source.
Style- A distinctive or characteristic matter. My definition- Your interpretation of right and wrong in terms of what you wear, and how you wear it.
Consistently, it is the style of the originator which sets the extremity to the trend, so answer this: How far will you bend to adhere to a trend? And what psychological connection commands your conscious to convert this trend into the style of your life.
It seemingly depends on the extremity of your society's standard. Standards that will coincide with either acceptance, rejection or the receiving of a stereotype which down right impacts your decisions. The rejection would stem from the realms of pessimist flavor jockers, those common communist of fashion. They do what they see, and see what they do. Though the acceptance would come from the fields of blossoming trendsetters, true their hearts and raised to understand value and the embracement of art and individuality. Individuals who were truly raised upon the recognition of other cultures and their specific adaptation to details. It is the intrigue of these details that our trends occur from the gecko. Though often, certain responses to your "trend bend" may force you into negative responses with those hater, "Pedestrian Mall Shoppers".
The familiar urban boy "pants sag" wouldn't even exist.Meanwhile, sparks of open mindedness allow progress, growth and creativity to flourish. Now Tony Triumph has always been an entrepreneur and therefore he always speculates from a business prospective- so picture this, if we could all simply just relate our sparks of open mindedness to more then just our ways of fashion- merely imagine what other areas in your life would FLOURISH!
Though I'm not always the biggest fan of Kanye, he is my personal epitome of a trend bender!
The depth of my analysis draws emphasis back to my initial question, "..how far will you bend for a trend?"
"Thankful to be the originator of an endeavor off to a successful start, I must announce how truly appreciative I am of the way that my blogging traffic has continued to increase as well as the supportive feedback that I am gaining from my readers. With this be known, I truly have come to recognize that this blogging world is best operated with a co-part to ensure that it maintains its consistency and informative tone. So on this day, I anxiously introduce my new, fashion literate co-blogger, Model Liz Coicou.
Tune in here for: THE FIMM.
2.)Maintain that Good Ole' Membrane.
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#1 Arise
