Fresh, new, upcoming… Each season, new trends spark these words to tumble out of the mouths of fashion journalists and trendsetters. Staple designers get their clothes modeled by familiar faces like Dolce and Gabbana’s David Gandy and the new slices out the old and fashion culture shifts once again.
But my question is… where does it all begin? Or rather, whom does it begin with?
In my quest for some answers, I decided to talk to the guys in (what can be looked upon) as a feminine cultural interest to see their point of view as well as touch on a personal account of how it’s leading to a life they want to lead.
May I introduce…
Haven
His goal is simply to take care of his family; this was especially poignant after loosing his mother in 2000. His company, Moral Fabrix was inspired by commentary following September 11th: “The moral fabric of society has been torn apart…” The designs are meant to represent “change and unity... for Generation X.”
I met Haven at CBS, a technology guru on top of his love for design. He goes back and forth, growing up on the east coast and chillin’ on the west for a bit, then back to NYC. When he walked into the room -- bam, this guy had style. Head to toe. I remember him in cream and brown, with a touch of class. It makes sense though; he’s styled many of red carpets and even modeled for Armani Exchange & Tommy Hilfiger. It wasn’t a surprise to me that he designs clothes. “It’s in my blood. My grandmother’s an artist, my dad and so is one of my younger brothers.”
His style is considered a unique twist called euro-urban. Jumping on the Moral Fabrix website (note that the site is still under construction) you see dangerous designs with blazes of color splashed against graffiti backgrounds. Some crazy, all bright and some simple designs that still burst out at you.
There are men’s and women’s tees, hoodies, jeans, shorts, shoes and… skateboards? “I always had a great love for skateboarding, BMX freestyle bike riding, inline skating…” He hopes to cater to all extreme sports possibly including surfboards, ski and snowboards.
A majority of his site are t-shirts. “T-shirts are the most economical way to get into this business,” Haven states. Not only is he on-line but also his company has been talking to Macy’s using it as a foundation for other department stores that Moral Fabrix hopes to gain entry to. This, on top of opening their own stores, starting with at least one this summer. Eventually he hopes to have a store in New Jersey, Los Angeles, California, New York and Miami, Florida.
From Moral Fabrix’s MySpace page, his goal is to… “fill the breach of diversity in expression for all who done the designs of the brand.”
Keithen
Haven’s designs may one day be worn by the likes of this next gentleman… Keithen.
As a current model it’s no surprise that he turned heads as a Media Production and Business major in his native Nebraska. That whole “what am I going to be when I grow up?” thing that every 20-something goes through (and for some of us, are still going through) brought him to Las Vegas for a bit where he was approached (a la Ashton Kutcher) and three years later is now modeling in the Big Apple.
Though since being on the stage since the age of 5, his first love is acting. He admits there are similarities between the two but also says that there’s a “huge cliché in the industry [with] the whole model / actor thing.” It’s something that he tries to avoid when walking in the door to an audition. “To earn serious money as a male [model], it’s almost like winning a lottery. With acting you either have it or you don’t.”
But as a model, he’s seen the latest in trends fashion wise and modeling wise…
As far as fashion goes… "There is a general desire right now for men to wear clothes that fit really well” as in “tailored looking.” Comfortable, well-fitted, and classy are the terms he used when discussing Michael Bastian’s show last February (http://www.michaelbastiannyc.com/) “He infuses little touches that you might look over at first, but when you notice it, it’s definitely a ‘wow’ moment.” Though he doesn’t find himself in the “classic” look currently. “I have longer hair and that is usually the deciding factor on whether or not I get the job.” He is more versatile in some other looks – (Check out Keithen’s look along with other upcoming male models via this link: http://www.apmmodels.com.)
I inquired about the height weight requirement for female models and how that applies to male models. He responds that it is rather simple …“Designers have samples, and if you can’t fit [in] them, you can’t work…” He admits there is some shows he can’t do because he’s too tall. Most designers in the U.S use a size 40 jacket rather than the European 38R, so Keithen can fit into most, but he makes the point that “The agency or designers aren’t being rude or ridiculous. Just realistic. It’s a business…”
Once the purchasing starts and designs work their way into the mainstream, sizes adjust. Keithen’s new lifestyle is an adjustment from his days of football and track at Hastings College but he points out that “I’ve been able to see and do things I never would have been able to do without having modeled and I thank the Lord everyday for blessing me with the opportunity.” His family is proud for him not being afraid of doing what he wants. For now he’s part of the trendsetting on the runway, but one day he may be trendsetting on the silver screen.
(photo courtesy of Menstyle.com)
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