Behind the Brand
- kwesguide
- Jan 19, 2022
- 2 min read
Photo via: Whitaker Group
Nowadays consumers who proceed to buying any item of clothing are looking to purchase the hottest item on the market. Brands have moved in direction without putting much thought in the development of their products. You can slap a small logo on a Gildan sweatshirt and instantaneously have a clothing brand. The creativity behind a brand should be backed with a meaningful purpose. The brands who have remained relevant are the ones extending beyond the world of creativity. The longevity of a brand depends on cultural relevance, authenticity, a fresh perspective, and creating dope shit. Founder of A Ma Maniere and Social Status, James Whitner is someone who understands the importance of these principles.
Whitner’s approach to fashion begins with the connection to his childhood and cultural roots. We noticed his love for the community in his recent Jordan 1 collaboration which highlighted the systematic issues and social realties in black communities.
The sneaker is “inspired by the Black community’s pride, power, influence, and resilience in the face of adversity and injustice, and the project serves as an ode to uplift the Black community and celebrate the power of its unified voice” The Whitaker Group said via press release.
Video via: A Ma Maniere
Photo: A Ma Maniere
Another noteworthy sneaker developed by Whitner and A Ma Maniere is the "Raised by Women" Jordan 3. The inspiration behind the project was dedicated to his mother who gifted him Jordan 3s at a young age.
Photo via: A Ma Maniere
Fashion is a dynamic entity, constant changing yet it's important to remain true to the brand. Whitner understands the significance in extending beyond the world of sneakers and fashion by opening the barriers for people who don't have the same opportunities. Part of Whitner's efforts to support the community is offering a program called "Free Game". The program is designed to advise others about finance, real estate, mental health, retail, and similar topics by industry professionals. Free Game will be hosting an upcoming event with Jeff Staple & Bimma Williams January 27, 2022 at 7:00 pm EST.
FREE GAME - Harnessing Your Superpower w/ Jeff Staple & Bimma Williams
(To register for the event click the link below)
If you were to ask Whitner's advice about his successful career he would probably mention being authentic. In an interview with Artsy, Whitner mentions, "My inspiration is the process of collecting and my preoccupation with getting everybody else out there with me. I’m inspired by things that just speak to my story and the pieces that mean so much to me."
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