TALENT SPEAKS: M. DIGGS NYC
Every now and then there is an emerging designer from Project Runway who catches my eye. I make it my life's mission to follow their journey in this industry. It's never really the winner because we all know what the grand prize is, right off the back they are set up for success. It's usually the underrated one, the one who is easily misunderstood by viewers and judges alike. The one who pushes all limits of design, having you second guess everything you've seen on the runway thus far.
Well I have managed to find a NY based designer who does just that. No contestant of Project Runway though (as of yet), this designer managed to catch my eye with S/S 15 look book. Malcolm's designs have been seen on American Idol Winner and Grammy Winning Singer/Songwriter, Fantasia Barrino. Aiming to have his designs featured in Vogue, solely to receive that creditable nod from Mrs. Wintour herself, he works day in and day out to perfect his craft. Malcolm began working on his S/S 15 collection after being inspired by the rich heritage of spanish culture in his Bushwick neighborhood, coming into contact with large, vibrant, depicted murals of influential artists like Frida Kahlo on the side of Brooklyn buildings.
I contacted Malcolm immediately to set up an exclusive interview after witnessing those exquisite designs on his social media page. When asked for three words to describe his designs, Malcolm replied, "idiosyncratic, daring, and original". I for one am not at liberty to contest with that, because the proof is in this photo below. See what else the designer had to say below. - Heir Sherrod
What female do you aim to dress in your designs?
"I love the eccentric Brooklyn woman, bold, unconventional and daring. I essentially want to see my designs on someone who could "WEAR" the clothes and not allow the clothes to wear them. You know, that woman who steps in a room and all heads turn because she is just that intriguing she sends you in a state of trance. Yes! The Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill and Solange of our world. The bizzare muse...captivating at its best. I need the female who doesn't mind steering away from trends, she must live to create her own path! That's the woman I'm looking for!"
Which designer do you draw from inspirationally?
"Currently my favorite designer is LaQuan Smith. Also New York based, who has had the opportunity to show at Fashion Week for some years now. Known for the gold catsuit worn by Good Girl Gone Bad herself, Rihanna, in her #1 hit video [Rude Boy]. Ciara, Iggy Azalea and Nicki Minaj have debuted designs of the ingenious mastermind as well. What I admire most about his designs are how very cutting edge they are. They always speak to me, constantly inspiring me."
What advice would you give an aspiring designer?
"Design School is important, but it is not the be all, end all. People do hold you to a higher standard if you have had schooling. School teaches you the business aspect of the fashion industry. It is where those pertinent relationships are formed to guide you through your career. It's also another avenue to perfect your technical craft. But I must say for those visionaries who spit fluid creativity, now that's something you can't learn in any class. That is a gift, one that hopefully never stops giving."
Where do you see your brand in 5 years?
"Everything I make is handcrafted. Deciding not to utilize any manufacturers allows me to incorporate the love and passion I possess into my designs. In that way only could I keep a hands on approach with everything you see that is tied to my name."
"So I have to say in 5 years...I will most definitely be known for my craftsmanship. Of course by that time I would have my 1st boutique here in NYC. We as designers all dream of being carried in high-end stores and boutiques, but I want to be in control of how and where my product is displayed."