ShopFlick

What’s cooler than a collectible pair of Black Sabbath Converse Sneakers? A FREE pair of Black Sabbath Converse Sneakers! Send me (courtney@shopflick.com) a picture of your FAVORITE converse. The winner will receive a new pair of shoes from the Black Sabbath collection & we’ll share your sneaker snapshot on Shopflick Style Scouts.

This fall Converse is debuting a premium inspired footwear collections that celebrate the brands connection to music & culture. A continuation of the 100^th anniversary celebration, the collections reference the brand’s undeniable influence on pop culture and music with decidedly modern styling, materials and detailing. Each of the unique styles are designed to honor the genres and movements in music and culture that have disrupted the status quo. Key collections include Grateful Dead, Black Sabbath, The Doors, The Who, Ozzy, and Pink Floyd.

And first up on our giveaway list, Black Sabbath.

Inspired by the Black Sabbath metal anthem Iron Man, these Chuck Taylor All Star high top shoes have hard-core details that shout individuality. A tribute to the sound that, in the 1970s emerged and changed the music landscape forever, these shoes feature smooth, monochrome black leather uppers with metallic detailing and Sabbath-signature purple accented linings. Metalwork and hardcore buckles combined with rich black leathers give the Jack Purcell shoe version an especially industrial look and extreme attitude. Prints on the Chuck Taylor All Star shoe versions showcase iconic Black Sabbath artwork.

Can’t wait to see if you will win, purchase The Black Sabbath “We Sold Our Sole For Rock‘N’Roll” sneakers right now!

*Run dates are 10/21/08-11/21/08. A winner will be contacted within 5 days of end date via email address used to submit the photo. If your size is not available, you will receive a Converse gift card for the value of the shoes.

Shopflick is happy to announce the launch of “The Give Back”. The Give Back is simple and powerful: We donate 100% of our sales commissions from participating organizations directly back to those organizations.

Our first participating non-profit is Homeboy Industries. Homeboy changes the lives of former gang members by giving them the training and discipline of working in small businesses, such as apparel, retail and food. Gang affiliations are left outside as young people work together, side by side, learning the mutual respect that comes from shared tasks and challenges. Homeboy is LA-based and nationally admired.

To celebrate The Give Back, we are offering a Special October Promotion:

PURCHASE OF ANY ITEM ON SHOPFLICK BETWEEN NOW AND OCTOBER 31 AND WE WILL DONATE 50% OF OUR COMMISSIONS TO HOME BOY INDUSTRIES.

And, of course, if the purchase is of Homeboy merchandise, we will donate 100% of our commissions to Homeboy Industries!

Stay tuned to check out their video profile and their selection of Homeboy Tees and other logo merchandise. Remember, all proceeds from the sale of Homeboy merchandise directly benefit their operations.

Monah Li

Monah Li

SF: What does your brand stand for?

ML: Romantic, mixed fabric designs, fluid lines, feminine embellishments, richly colored fabric, a mix of textures and loving attention to every seam and detail.

SF: What is the inspiration?

ML: Fashion trends come and go. My aesthetic is about something deeper. Whatever her body type, her age, or her personal style, when a woman tells me that wearing Monah Li makes her feel sexy, confident and unique, then I know I have done my job. What inspires me is inspiring her.

SF: Who are your customers?

ML: It is always exciting to know that my romantic designs of distressed rayon, silk and velvet are a favorite of trend setters and celebrities. But as a working mother who lives in the real world, it is just as much a thrill to know that a woman with a job, kids and a carpool loves my clothes as a young Oscar winning actress. I have never wanted to be just about fashion. Whether she is young or old, waif-like or Ruben-esque, living Malibu, in Missouri or Manhattan – the Monah Li Woman is a woman who loves to wear clothes that make her love being a woman.

SF: What’s new this season?

ML: A) Slipservice- what was once an insider secret, available only to friends- is ready to turn your flea market slip or heirloom night gown into a fabulous and of-the-moment dream-dress? How it works: Send me your favorite vintage slip or nightgown, a picture of you, a quick note to tell me about yourself and how you envision your desired look. I will turn all of this into a stunning, sexy and totally one-of-a-kind Monah Li creation that will forever be in style!

B) The Shawl – your new cardigan!

C) Necklace Scarves

SF: What items are people responding to most?

ML: Slip service, Necklace Scarves and Shawls (worn in place of a cardigan). The big surprise hit is that men are buying my black scarves at Traffic Men

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

ML: Yes- including Ashley Simpson, Miley Cirus and Alana Steward.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

ML: I studied art and fashion in Vienna. My art professors told me to go into fashion. My fashion professors told me to go into art. After making a stir in German Vogue with a line of clothes made from painted silk, I moved to Los Angeles to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. After a year spent partying hard in LA, I found myself a guest at the California Department of Corrections. On my release, I was shipped back to Vienna, where my father committed me to a mental institution for nine months of drug rehab. There, a funny thing happened. The psychiatrist running my program wanted to be a fashion designer, and he used the recovering addicts as free labor to sew his collection. He eventually was fired, but I loved the set-up. He had hired a really good pattern-maker and a really good tailor, and these women took me under their wing. They taught me couture. I had a new addiction.

SF: What is your must-have item?

ML: A dress made from your own Vintage slip with a super soft shawl draped over it

SF: What are you wearing right now?

ML: I am wearing a midnight blue slip dress with short sleeves and tiny buttons down the front with a charcoal shawl that’s embellished with fabric flowers, beads and antique lace trim.

SF: Visit Monah Li’s Shopflick Store to see her collection.

Shopflick has two helpful events this month for business owners & designers.

First a free 1 hr gathering downtown Los Angeles at the Cal Mart Building- learn how to use video online to brand, promote & drives sales . Helpful and motivating!

Next an all-day, shoot-day- we bring the cameras, lights & models – you bring your collection & personal perspective. Our Pro-filmmakers will shoot profile and product videos for your line.

Check out all the details below. And while you’re downtown, might as well hit Santee Alley ($20 chuck taylors!) or have lunch in Chinatown. enjoy!

EVENT #1: OCT 28 – 4PM

Video Commerce–The New Way to Sell Online

In this 1 hour seminar, you’ll learn how to successfully brand, promote and drive sales for your fashion line using online video commerce.

You’ll leave with ideas and resources on how to stylishly– yet cost effectively produce your own product videos and expand your business with this powerful new sales channel. Topics will include: Branding, Promoting and Launching your line with Online Video, Making Online Video Sales a part of your Business and Marketing Strategy and Creating a Dynamic Online Sales Presentation.

Date: Tuesday, October 28th 4pm (LA Textile Week)

Cost : Free

Location: Cal Mart 110 E. 9th St., Room C79

Presented by Fashion Business Consultant, Ralinda Harvey

EVENT #2: OCT 30 – ALL DAY

Shopflick Shoot Day: LA Fashion District

Lights…Camera…Action… Make the most of holiday sales with the power of online video. Let Shopflick help you make your own.

Our pro filmmakers and shoot producers will provide lights, models, photography, final editing and even guide you through your sales presentation. The result-stylish brand and sales videos you can use to sell on Shopflick and beyond.

The Shopflick Fashion District shoot day package includes a profile video, 3 product videos and photography for 5 other products all for $250, with a special discount for Fashion Business Inc. members.

Click here to see samples of videos shot by Shopflick filmmakers.

Date: October 30th 9am-6pm. Shoot slots are one hour each and limited so be the first to RSVP!

Location: LA Fashion District – New Mart, 127 East 9th Street, 3^rd Floor

RSVP to: Justin Fredericks at justin@shopflick.com or 310-841-5966 ext. 107

Last week I reconnected with friend / Creative Director of the Hale Bob line, Daniel Bohbot.

The Shopflick team made the drive to Vernon, CA- just south of Downtown L.A.- where many fashion companies have their warehouses.

Hale Bob runs all its operations out of the space, something rare and very appealing!

The line is known for eloquently combining silk, with bright patterns and flattering fits.

Hale Bob is loved and spotted on celebrities all over Hollywood.

The vast range of personalities wearing the line may seem surprising (Cameron Diaz to Paris Hilton) , but each piece varies drastically- leaving something for everyone.

Shopflick Style Scout, Danielle conducted the on-camera interview with Daniel… and it was one of the best interviews I have yet watched. 20 minutes on camera, the questions turned into giggles and soon we all found ourselves rolling on the ground.

With no help from us, Danielle & Daniel regained themselves and finished the interview effortlessly.

Check back soon for our exclusive Hale Bob interview, but in the meantime check out a few pics from the shoot!

*Danielle & Daniel smiling for a pre-interview photo

*Mid-interview- D & D enjoying a good laugh

*A few looks from the collection

Miss Misa Jewelry

Miss Misa

SF: What does your brand stand for?

MM: It stands for diversity, and looking at the world from a new perspective. Many of my products incorporate ideas from other cultures, and I think that is important in today’s globalized world. My brand is also based on who I am as a person, and my everyday experiences, including my fashion taste. When I purchase an item, I like it to be high quality, well priced, and a great find, and that is what Miss Misa is all about.

SF: What is the inspiration?

MM: Miss Misa is influenced by many different things. My latest collection, the Je T’aime Collection, is inspired from French art, which exposes people to a new cultural perspective. However, the next piece coming out, the Emerald Green Owl Ring, is much more inspired from the nature and fauna I saw on my recent trip to Croatia.

SF: Who are your customers?

MM: I have a wide range of customers. My customers range everywhere from the husband purchasing a necklace for wife for his wedding anniversary, to a bride for her bridesmaids gifts. My collection is diverse with many different styles, so it caters to a very large demographic. I like it because I can make more people happy!

SF: What’s new this season?

MM: I believe that bold accessories really make the cut. The new Emerald Green Owl ring is an example of that trend. When I wear my new owl ring around town, everyone always asks me where I bought it, for it makes a bold statement that really completes any outfit. With the current economic state, I also think women will be looking for accessories that they can wear for all occasions, so that they can get more out of what they buy, and also get a great deal that they feel happy about. For this season, I’ve really tried to design my new items around that concept, for it is important that people feel great about their purchase and their sense of style.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

MM: I definitely get many thank you notes regarding the Pink Pansy Necklace. It is such a unique necklace, and looks so great with any outfit. However, the new Emerald Green Owl Ring is currently my best seller, for it is a hip fall accessory and people always love owl jewelry.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

I began my business in my dorm room during my freshman year. However, Miss Misa really became my full time business my junior year, when I began designing the Je T’aime line, and really putting my collection out there. I’ve always loved being creative, and Miss Misa is really the creative outlet in my life.

SF: What is your must-have item?

MM: Besides for the Emerald Green Owl Ring, I really love the Mary and Madeleine necklace for the Fall. It is a great layer necklace, where there are two necklaces in one! I like to wear it almost every day, especially with fun t shirts and form fitting vests.

SF: What are you wearing right now?

MM: Mary and Madeleine necklace and the Emerald Green Owl Ring, I’ve been wearing them almost every day!

SF: Visit Miss Misa’s Shopflick Store to see more! And check back soon to purchase the Emerald Green Owl Ring on Shopflick.

Next up on the video shoot list- a dream day for any girl with a crush on James Perse! The super soft cotton pieces are a CA staple and the CA native, Perse has a knack for applying the low maintenance high fashion approach to his basic tees, caps & hoodies.

Shopflick superstar, Katrina arranged a day for us to check out the new collection and share a video preview with you. A LARGE BOX of their newest pieces arrived and we immediately claimed our favorites. We then headed to Venice beach to let loose- how appropriate.

Danielle gave the camera some love, while we played in the sand & tried out the tanks, tees & pants. I’m happy to report the new CA SKI 08 line is at its best- mixing super comfy fabrics, with amazing cuts & colors, topped off with superior quality. Stayed tuned for our video debut: soon on a Shopflick Blog near you!

Preview & purchase my James Perse look for the day:

A few more pictures from the shoot…

Me loving the Supima Long Tank & Contrasts Panel Shirt

Raul in James Perse Weathered Pocket Crew and Slim Fit Chino

Luke modeling the James Perse Distressed Zip Funnelneck & Micros Twill Track Pants

Luke in the Short Sleeve V-Neck, helping Danielle out with her lines

Katrina trying out the Casual T

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More James Perse goodies:

Suburban Riot

Nate Koach

SF: What does your brand stand for?

NK: Endless fun in an otherwise serious world. Organic contemporary-casual for the progressively minded. It’s about putting juxtaposed ideas together to create a fun, topical and mindfully irreverent life.

SF: What is the inspiration?

NK: Eco friendly casual premium apparel that doesn’t scream green, and retails at a mid price point. We’re inspired by those who lead a progressive lifestyle, and know how take neither themselves, nor their fashion too seriously.

SF: Who are your customers?

NK: Boutiques across the country. Bloomingdales. People who purchase from us know how to have fun with their wardrobe without being too clownish.

SF: What’s new this season?

NK: Men & Women’s Organic tees, women’s asymmetrical v-neck tees, men’s and women’s organic lightweight pullovers.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

NK: Our tees. It’s our bread and butter. I have about 50 of them in my closet… And about 6 pairs of trousers. I think most folks (guys anyway), can roll with a whole closet full of tops and just a few good pairs of pants.

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

NK: The cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

NK: We thought long and hard about what industry we had the smallest chance of success, the most competition and the ficklest audience. Answer: fashion. Result: we quit our stable high paying jobs, and went to battle for the hearts and minds of the “cool” crowd.

SF: What is your must-have item?

NK: Windstorm tee. Available for women by holiday ‘08. I would also say add a circa 1968 pair of Boca Raton inspired holiday trousers, but we don’t make those yet.

SF: What are you wearing right now?

NK: We wear our tees everyday. I’m wearing one of our first tees because it’s worn in and has some radical stains on it. Given that we’re both male, we only wear the dresses when we’re heading out to the ultimate silverlake hipster parties and we want to make sure we’re keeping it edgy enough.

SF: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

NK: If you’re looking for high fashion, don’t come knocking on our door. We are not Karl Lagerfeld minions, we don’t watch Project Runway, and we don’t care about what Gala we’re “seen” at. What folks need for today’s varied fashion trends is a way to create balance for their ensemble. Our pieces offer balance without demanding too much attention.

It’s been a busy, fun week at Shopflick headquarters. L.A. has had record breaking temps, but we’ve lucked out with the coolest shoots ever!

The week began with a road trip to Inglewood, CA. The film team and I cruised down the 405 to Cashmere Agency for our shoot w/ Murs. A hip hop artist from L.A., Murs’s “sitcom rap” aims to bring all groups of people together. His new album- MURS for President dropped Sept.30^th and it’s an i-pod must-have. We also have bonus Murs merch & music, so make sure to check out his Shopflick Store. Now, straight from Shopflick Studios (thanks Chris) – I give you Murs, for President:

Shopflick: Visit this store | Get your own Store!

Lush Jewelry

Barbara Wheeler

SF: What does your brand stand for?

BW: Style, versatility, affordability, and uniqueness. These are the foundation
on which Lush Jewelry was created. And that every woman who wears my
designs should feel beautiful and empowered, like she can rule the world!

SF: What is the inspiration?

BW: Inspiration comes from everywhere. Nature, art, architecture, the material,
even my daughters curly hair. Sometimes I’ll see something that sparks an
idea and it takes many twists and turns until I get the final product. By
then, it hardly resembles the original but I don’t want it to.

SF: Who are your customers?

BW: My customer right now is a mom, she’s a fashionista, she’s a celebrity,
she’s a rock star, she’s conservative, she’s outgoing, she’s every woman.
In the near future she may even be a he, no, she’s not getting a sex change,
I am working on a mens collection due out next year!

SF: What’s new this season?

BW: This season I’m doing a lot of longer necklaces that can be worn long or
wrapped up for a layered look. Also, my hammered cuff bracelets are a
staple in my fall wardrobe. They’re available in 14k gold filled and
sterling silver.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

BW: My “Good Luck” charm necklace has been a best seller since day one. It’s
14k gold filled with a horseshoe, a wishbone, a clover, a sparrow and a
garnet. It must really bring good luck because people are still buying it!

SF: Any celebs wearing your pieces?

BW: Singer Lily Allen bought a pair of my limited edition, brass sword earrings
when she was performing in San Diego. She took them with her on a photo
shoot for Elle. In the photo, she has her jewelry box dumped out in front
of her and the earrings made it into the pic! Reality show veteran Brooke
Thompson aka Pumkin from “Flavor of Love,” “Charm School,” and “I Love
Money” also owns many of my pieces.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

BW: By accident, really. I started designing for myself initially, because I
couldn’t find anything I liked in the stores and what I did find, was too
expensive. I had a friend who recommended I sell my jewelry on consignment.
She suggested a boutique where the owner supported local designers, the
owner liked my line and the rest is history! I got into a total of nine
stores in the first two months which might be a record but I’m not sure.

SF: What is your must have item?

BW: My jewlery must have is a good pair of earrings. Right now, I’m wearing the
Muse earrings from my fall collection a lot. They’re simple enough to
wear everyday and elegant enough to dress up any outfit.
What are you wearing?

BW: Right now, I am wearing my “Rain” hoops in sterling silver and my “Diamond”
cuff bracelet, both from the Fall collection. And a long, dark
grey, cotton, empire waist dress.

SF: Anything else you’d like to share with the shopflick community?

BW: Check out my website www.lushjewelry.com for the entire collection!

SF: And, check out Barbara’s Shopflick Store: Lush Jewelry to see her exclusive videos!

Another manic Monday, but don’t be sad- today marks the first (of many!) Shopflick Style Scout’s Giveaway!

To kick off the monumental event, we have a Karmaloop Exclusive FLUD Table Turns Watch ($80 value) up for grabs!

Our friends at Karmaloop hooked us up with an exclusive giveaway for one of their exclusive products- the Table Turns in Gun Metal from FLUD Watches. We feel exclusive! This watch captures the art of the DJ by slapping the object of your affection right on your wrist. The Table Turns is more than just a simple effigy, it redefines “keeping it real,” by being true to form, down to the most minute details. There are a few different variations of this watch, but we’re giving away the steel band version in Gun Metal.

To WIN tell us: “if this was a real turntable, what album would you spin?” Check out the Flud Watches’ video & leave your comment HERE to enter!

*Run dates are 10/1/08-11/1/08. A winner will be contacted within 5 days post 11/1/08 via their registered email address.

Edun

Bridget Russo

SF: What does your brand stand for?

BR: Edun is a socially responsible clothing brand that seeks to build sustainable trade in developing areas of the word in particular Africa. Through EDUN and our sister company EDUN-LIVE we work on a daily basis towards this goal. EDUN LIVE is the basic tee shirt brand of EDUN that is made 100% in Africa with African cotton.

SF: What is the inspiration?

BR: The Spring/Summer 2009 collection is a study in the romantic naturalism of the “Origin of the Species” in which EDUN explores the utopian ideal of two cultures merging into one. The romance inherent in European culture is grafted with the vibrancy of tribal Africana – weaving classic fabrics and timeless fits with exotic and striking colors and textures.

This season EDUN focuses on an eclectic mix of refined and edgy styles. Romantic French tailoring and casual, yet elegant lightweight fabrics are complimented by the earthy, exotic natural qualities inherent in old Africa. The majesty of the kingdom of Africa is fused with the artfulness of the French.

SF: Who are your customers?

BR: Our customers are between the ages of 25-40. They are conscious consumers who want to know the story behind the products they buy. At the time they want to look good in their clothes and have a keen sense of style. They are interested in music, fashion and art.

SF: What’s new this season?

BR: This season we are working with some great fabrics, including an organic cotton and tencel, a material made from wood pulp, to create romantic sweaters with peek-a-boo tribal motifs. Silk and satin button up shirts and wrap dresses are accented with zigzag patterns giving an added flare to easy every day pieces.

In addition we have incorporated a new Ethiopian open weave fabric into the spring collection, creating free-flowing pieces with a scarf like feeling. The romantic fabric and fits are augmented with edgy shoulder cut out details and lace like patterns.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

BR: Both programs mentioned above are getting a great response as well as our tee shirt dresses with graphic bold prints and our graphic tee program for men.

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

BR: Natalie Portman, Gwenyth Paltrow, Helena Christensen and Christy Turlington are fans.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

BR: I began working in PR on the agency side at Ogan / Dallal Associates and then Paul Wilmot Communications. I then went in-house to Diesel as the PR Director and now I am at EDUN.

SF: What is your must-have item?

BR: That’s tough to say. The organic cotton knitwear program is amazing and the tee shirt dresses are fun and make a bold statement.

SF: What are you wearing right now?

BR: EDUN sage jeans with vintage sweater – I am now living in London and it’s cold!

SF: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

BR: Check out www.edun-live.com

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Check out Edun’s Collection on Shopbop!

It’s close to that time of year, two of my favorite holidays- Halloween & Katrina’s B-day. While I know what I’m wearing to Katrina’s party, I’m still debating on my Halloween ensemble. Here are a few ideas I got off Shopflick, what do you think? I think these are my new favorite videos. Got something better, leave me a comment.

Phyl Couture

Jamie Phyl

SF: What does your brand stand for?

JP: Phyl Couture as a brand is feminine, a little flirty and always wearable. It’s pieces you can wear together or mix in with other items in your wardrobe. We pay close attention
to the details in every garment so that each piece is unique on its own.

SF: What is the inspiration?

JP: My inspiration comes from watching the couture shows on the runway, traveling to interesting places and from past seasons I’ve already designed. It’s important to me to stay true to my customer so when something is working, I like to reinvent it – keeping the same idea but adding something new.

SF: Who are your customers?

JP: My customer is generally in her 20s, 30s and 40s, but there are many styles that appeal to older and younger women as well. She shops in higher end boutiques where she can find new designers and loves fashion. She knows how to put clothes together in her own way and is always on the lookout for something original that you won’t see everywhere else.

SF: What’s new this season?

JP: This season I did a very retro collection. I used a heavy weight ponte knit fabric to create dresses, skirts and jackets with oversized fabric covered buttons that are very Jackie O.
For next season I actually added pants and shorts to the collection which I’ve never done. I also incorporated a lot of prints which really makes the collection pop.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

JP: There is a short sleeve ponte dress on the line which is selling like crazy (Briana dress). It’s the kind of dress that is flattering for so many body types and can be worn for so many different things. I think especially now women want items they can get a lot of mileage out of and will last a long time. This dress definitely fits that criterion.

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

JP: We’ve been featured in Lucky a few times as well as Daily Candy, WWD, The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Venus Zine and more! There will be a lot more features to come, so keep your eye out!

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

P: My grandmother was a fashion designer and my grandfather was a master tailor so I guess it’s in my blood. I went to FIT in New York City to study women’s sportswear and started working at Armani Collezioni when I was 20 years old. After working for a few other companies, I decided to branch out on my own and start Phyl Couture. And I’ve never looked back!

SF: What is your must-have item?

JP: My must-have item has to be the Gabrielle dress. It hits stores this November for Resort and we’ve already sold a ton. I can’t wait to wear it myself! It’s feminine, a little edgy and can be worn by women of all ages – which is exactly what Phyl Couture is all about.

SF: What are you wearing right now?

P: Right now I am wearing sweats since I am home sick . But last night I was wearing the Dana dress which I love. The straps criss-cross in the back and it has a high belted waist. It’s so comfortable and so cute!

F: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

P: Thank you for supporting indie designers and artists! I hope you like the collection! Check out www.phylcouture.com to see more.

iKY Clothing

Eddie Fam

SF: What does your brand stand for?

EF: Social consciousness, philanthropy, giving back, making a global impact, charity, outreach, freedom, equality, style.

SF: What is the inspiration?

EF: iKY Clothing is inspired by those that have dedicated their lives to change the world: Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandella, Ghandi and even Bono from U2. iKY seeks to utilize the brand equity and its celebrity support as a platform to help make a difference by donating proceeds of sales to local and global causes such as the ONE Campaign, Coptic Orphans, OZ Project, Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund, and Susan B. Komen. iKY also features a specialty collection for charitable apparel, Noblesse Oblige in which each piece is tailored to a specific charity and some proceeds of all garment sales are donated respectively.

SF: Who are your customers?

EF: Fashion savvy men and women from ages 18 to 36, socialites, musicians, dj’s, young professionals, college students, athletes, club goers, etc.

SF: What’s new this season?

EF: “American Dream” tee, v-neck, polo and hoody that has MLK Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech imbedded and embroidered in to the garment, “Freedom and Justice” tee, polo, and thermal that features the United Nations “Declaration of Human Rights” on the back of the garment.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

EF: Fans and customers are mostly responding to the graphic tees and thermals as well as the woven button downs with embroidery. People are loving the positive messages on some of the pieces such as “Rock Revival” (tribute to the struggling music industry), “In God We Trust”, “Creed”, and “God Save the District” (featuring the Capitol Building in the graphic design).

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

EF: Duran Duran, David Archuleta, Flo Rida, Big Boi from Outkast, Ferry Corsten (#5 electronic DJ), Darryl “DMC” Mack of Run DMC, Dr. Drew, Tyrese, Quincy Jones and many more.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

EF: My first passion is music. I was working in the music industry with indepent bands, record labels, and concert promoters for several years until one of my best friends from middle school asked me to join his team to start a clothing line based out of Washington, DC. iKY was born in 2004. I have no fashion experience, education or background, however, the transition from music to fashion was organic and made natural sense to me. Both industries go hand and hand. I love what I do. Our goal with iKY is to not just make and sell clothing but to leverage the brand to also provide clothing to those who need it the most.

SF: What is your must-have item?

EF: For me personally, I have a thing for shoes – especially Pumas, Converse and Adidas. In the iKY collection, my favorites are “3 stars”, “American Dream”, “Creed”, “God Save the District” tees and of course the “Basha” tee and thermal which means “King” in Arabic. I created that as a tribute to my Egyptian culture.

SF: What are you wearing right now?

EF: True Religion jeans, a t-shirt, and a Red pair of Adidas.

SF: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

EF: iKY will be featured in Rockmond Dunbar’s upcoming “Pastor Brown” movie which will debut at the Sundance Film Festival in winter 2009. Also, iKY will host a charity star-studded fashion show in Washington, DC in November 2008. For all details and to preview the collection, visit www.iKYclothing.com