Fashion: Bonafide Icon Exclusive Interview W/ CHAMP Mag
Fashion: Bonafide Icon Exclusive Interview
CHAMP Magazine
Nathan “Hollywood” Adom
CHAMP: I wanted to start it off by getting into the name Bonafide Icon, where did that come from? And why did you decide that you were going to use that to name the company?
BONAFIDE ICON: We went back and forth with a lot of names, (some good and some bad), but Bonafide Icon just clicked! It flowed well with the direction that we were going in starting out! Being a lifestyle brand, the line draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of music, art, film, sneakers, and pop culture and infuses it into graphics with a strong emphasis on sports!
CHAMP: What was the vision you had when you started off: what kind of clothes did you want to come out with when you first started off?
BONAFIDE ICON: Like any new independent start-up, we had a lot of trial and error when we first started; we did a mix of designs, from sneakers, sports, original artwork, and everything in between! Our vision will always be changing, in order to progress as a brand we will continue to adapt and evolve.……
CHAMP: Fashion is all over the world, but where are you guys based out of exactly so the people are aware?
BONAFIDE ICON: New York City…..Repping Queens!
CHAMP: In terms of artistic direction. Who comes up with the designs?
BONAFIDE ICON: Our creative director and lead designer is Bryant Yarborough a.k.a. CrazyVisions………We all try to collaborate on concepts, but B puts everything together!
CHAMP: When it comes to the clothing, are these made overseas or are they all made in house?
BONAFIDE ICON: We make them in the kitchen….haha but um, we get everything produced right here in New York City!
CHAMP: What would you say is the most popular out of your collection, that put you guys out there?
BONAFIDE ICON: Our sports themed tees do really well, more specifically our basketball styles.
CHAMP: With clothing lines you get celebrities that pick up some of your stuff. Who are some celebrities you caught wearing some Bonafide Icon clothing?
BONAFIDE ICON: Our first boutique account was with The Vault in Harlem which always had a lot of local sports and hip hop celebs that supported us, but the celebrity that sticks out the most is Chris Rock, he bought a few of our Garden Bruiser tees to rock at the Knicks games back when they were still respectable…..
CHAMP: Are there any other areas of the fashion world that you guys want to explore?
BONAFIDE ICON: We eventually plan to develop a complete cut & sew line that would compliment our graphic tees, because after all that’s what we are known for!
CHAMP: Where can people follow up and be up to date with any new pieces you guys come out with?
BONAFIDE ICON: To keep up on the latest and greatest, you can check out our blog at www.bonafideicon.com/blog
CHAMP: Are there any exclusive spots in Canada where people can pick up some Bonafide Icon?
BONAFIDE ICON: We currently do not have any accounts in Canada, however if you want to purchase some gear, you can shop the bonafide bazaar here: http://www.bonafideicon.com/shop.htm
Peace to Model J, LAX, RTB, all of our dealers, and everyone else who has supported Bonafide Icon since day one! And of course to Hollywood and CHAMP Magazine for making this happen!
