Fashion Designer Jade Marlin has a vision for his fashion collection, and that’s to “Aspire to Inspire.” Founded in 2003, his brand Jade Clothing blends classic British style with today’s contemporary businessman. Below, we chat with this LA-based designer about his menswear collection, his design process, and his pending fashion shows.
Cliché: How did you get started in the fashion industry?
Jade Marlin: I started in 2003 in Los Angeles by creating t-shirts and selling them at the local swap meet at the age of 18. I’ve been on this journey for 11 years, trying to build my name and my brand, Jade Clothing. I was very persistent and never stopped pushing my brand.
What do you love most about fashion?
I love the creativity and the design aspect of fashion, especially when creating a fashion show to present the brand and to show all who attend what the brand is about.
Describe the type of person who would love your clothing line.
My customer is the 25- to 50-year-old professional, successful businessman who is a leader and wants to feel empowered.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment to date is that I have 12 major sponsors supporting my line, and I am producing my first two fashion shows this year.
What is your latest collection about and what inspired you to create it?
I started with polo shirts because they’re great for a businessman to wear; they have a relaxed fit, but still look professional. The polo can be worn in a professional environment and still be very comfortable. I have also created three different styles for my 2016 Men’s Shoe Collection that will be very popular for casual weekend looks. I felt this was a great beginning to my collection.
What is your designing process?
When I design my products, I do a lot of research to see what is out there. I usually work in a quiet environment without any disruptions. I also like to go to the malls and see what is out there. I go and feel fabrics and see what materials are out there to get inspired to create something different to make my brand stand out.
What skills do you need to have in order to be successful in this industry?
You need to listen and pay attention, as well as learn the business of a fashion career and how to bring it all together.
How do you stay up-to-date on fashion?
I stay up-to-date by reading fashion magazines. I also use the Internet to keep up on things in the fashion industry and look at different designers’ work to see what is in style.
Tell us about your upcoming fashion show. How did that come together?
I have buyers coming out from local stores. We are having a televised event in July, as well as inviting local media to see my collection. All of this will bring me more exposure for my line and help build awareness for the brand itself.
What’s unique about your brand?
My tag line, “Aspire to Inspire,” should inspire you to accomplish many things. It should motivate you to make changes or to make a difference in your life, or to be the best that you can be in everything you do. It should make you want to be a leader, and give you strength. That is very important to me.
What is your goal for 2016?
My goal is to be in major department stores and to be a brand recognized globally. I hope to build my brand and create my men’s suit line for Fall 2016.
Read more Fashion Interviews on ClicheMag.com
BY MEGAN PORTORREAL
Jade Marlin Interview: Photographed by Edward Batres of Jade Collections
