Interview with Designer Jerrell West
Interview by Julia Zeldin, FWO Associate Editor
Photos by Emy Kane, FWO Social & Fashion Tech Consultant
Q: Can you tell us about yourself and how the Murray West brand came to be?
The idea for starting my own clothing line began in high school. The Youth Venture organization encouraged students to create a business plan that would benefit the community, to receive $1,000 dollars. And at that time, I was trying to figure out what to do with my life. I wanted to make money and I wanted to touch people. But my principal told me I should pursue a career about which I was passionate. Youth Venture stopped coming to our school, but I already had 10 designs and a business plan, and here we are today.
I already had 10 designs and a business plan, and here we are today.
Q: Why are we here tonight?
Tonight is a private event to give our family and friends a sneak peak of what’s to come from the Murray West brand. We had to showcase this brand in the right way; we knew that the ambience of the AKA Hotel would truly capture the feel of Murray West. The goal of tonight’s event was to emphasize that once you purchase a piece from Murray West, you’re not a buyer–you’re family.
Once you purchase a piece from Murray West, you’re family.
Q: What inspires you?
So much, but most importantly: life, people, architecture. Working at a medical center is my full time job, and being able to experience all sorts of people, colors, and energy is the what truly inspires me.
Q: What are three words to describe the Murray West brand?
Decadence, luxury, and chic.
Q: Is there one message you want us to take away from the brand?
Everyone is trying to do something with their life, and it might not be their full time job, but they have a side project, a passion project. I want to encourage our buyers, our family, to be all that they can be.
Q: What are you most excited for fashion week?
I’m so excited to see how people react to my line, to gravitate to the Murray West brand. Even tonight, it’s incredible to see people with Murray West pins on. I finally get to see a brand, that I’ve been drawing on paper for so long, actually coming to life. It’s so surreal to see people take the Murray West brand home.
I finally get to see my brand come to life.
Q: Any final thoughts?
Murray West is about progress, supporting each other, and togetherness. All I’ve ever wanted is to help others get to the next level, and to make their dreams come true. That’s what encourages me to create this brand.
All I’ve ever wanted is to help others get to the next level.
It’s street, but chic. It’s beautiful. It’s Murray West.
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With love,
FWO
