An Inaword Fab Exclusive! Kwame Jackson: The Man Behind the Brand

Apprentice alum. Harvard MBA. Serial entrepreneur. Brand manager. Tastemaker. Mover and shaker. Think you know all there is to know about Kwame Jackson? You have no idea. Kwame Jackson is more than just his trademark white smile and impressive resume. He's a Southern-bred, style-conscious, supreme risk taker who injects inspirational quotes into everyday conversation as effortlessly as some might say, "nah mean?" But above all, he's a survivor. Growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, Kwame lived a self-described "Cosby-esque" existence surrounded by proud, successful black people. Mom was a CPA with her own firm, while his step dad practiced general surgery. Early on, his entrepreneurial spirit was honed selling candy on the school bus and mowing lawns to make the money for his first Nintendo. Then, everything changed when at the age of 15, Kwame's mother passed away at the young age of 41. For Kwame, it was the ultimate lesson in persistence and resilience. "Once you get over something like that, everything else is gravy. I had this massive devastating experience, so not very much is truly disappointing or devastating to me." Refusing to crumble under the weight of his loss, Kwame continued to strive for academic excellence, ultimately gaining entry into UNC Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School, one of the nation's top undergraduate programs for Business. It was in college that Kwame first began to express a strong interest in personal style. Becoming a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and participating in a number of prestigious internships with brand management icon Procter & Gamble helped him to develop his signature professional style and marketing chops. It was this fashion sensibility, in conjunction with his superior performance and cool confidence, that kept tongues wagging during his tenure on the first season of The Apprentice, which you may recall as one of the most successful shows in television history. Kwame made it all the way to the finale, where he went head-to-head with eventual winner, Bill Rancic, in a showdown watched by 28 million people. "I'm very proud of that. I'm glad that I was able to be a part of something that redefined television. It was a great experience; it helped me to believe in myself and opened a lot of doors. I view it as a floor, not a ceiling. I knew I didn’t want to become a reality star, my goal was to brand myself as an entrepreneur." His latest foray into entrepreneurship is Krimson by Kwame, an executive neckwear line that he launched with partner Corwyn Thomas in 2004. Why the emphasis on ties? "[Neckwear] is probably the last bastion of personal style and influence that a man can express in the workplace. You can go bright, solid, pattern... It's an expression of your personality and a mindset for what you want to accomplish that day. 'This is the day I’m getting it done, getting promoted, proposing to my girlfriend, closing on a mortgage.' When it’s important, it’s Krimson!, that’s our trademark and the brand’s essence." After a successful start in a few small test markets, Krimson has grown exponentially in the retail market. Despite the current economy,Macy's just increased Krimson's distribution from New York, Chicago, and DC, its three largest markets, to San Francisco, Houston, Miami, San Jose and Atlanta. "The goal is to build it into a global luxury lifestyle brand to rival Ralph Lauren. Phase I consists of owning the men’s accessories space where we will add pocket squares, fragrance and cuff links. I have a lot of requests from women for scarves, bathing suits in our distinctive paisley patterns, and even female neckwear. You never know where the brand will take you." Kwame recently embarked on a "50 City Style Tour" for Krimson to take the brand directly to consumers in their local markets, a nationwide span of VIP trunk shows and fashion cocktails attended by executives, celebrities and industry professionals and sponsored by iconic brands like Remy Martin. Although high profile people and events are par for the course in Kwame's world, he recalls the BET Ball celebrating President Obama's inauguration with awe. "You had Colin Powell in one corner of the room dancing with his people and Jay-Z in the other corner doing the same thing." Despite the big fish in attendance, Kwame insists the highlight of the evening was meeting Frederick Douglass IV, the great great grandson of the famed abolitionist, orator and author. It is very apparent that as much mainstream success that Kwame has enjoyed, he remains connected to his African American roots. "My name is Kwame Toure Jackson, not Blake Smith. I don’t really have a choice. My parents put that in my head early on. So I know who I am and I’m confident in who I am." Even still, Kwame refuses to box Krimson in as an "urban" brand. "I don’t want it to be an urban brand in any way shape or form. I want it to be a global brand. It's about a global mindset." This global mindset and feeling of inclusivity is a major theme for Krimson, which despite its high quality comes with a value price point. In Kwame's view, the target customer is "generally the aspiring professional, age 25 to 40, who is well-traveled and well-schooled. They've been a few places and done a few things, and they want their dress to speak to that." And Kwame knows a little something about being an aspiring professional. The consummate entrepreneur, Kwame believes success comes to those who are unafraid to step outside of their comfort zone and take big risks. "It doesn't mean you'll be successful, it doesn't mean you'll be a failure, but it does mean you'll have a sense of fulfillment. You can say, 'I gave my life my best.'” Currently a Harlem resident, Kwame is dating a "very nice young lady" that understands his hustle and supports his grind. "Oprah said, 'Everybody wants to ride in the limo with you, but very few people want to ride in the subway.' I'm building, so if you’re not willing to be a part of the journey, then 'Nice to meet you.' I have good days and I have empty pocket days. I’m definitely not about stability and comfort at this point in my life, I’ll pass on the picket fence and suburban house for now. I’m the guy willing to put it all on the table and give it my best shot." Above all, Kwame is a gentleman. When asked about Omarosa, who famously sabotaged his efforts during the finale of The Apprentice, his answer is simple. "God bless her." To shop Krimson by Kwame, visit http://www.krimsonbykwame.com/. -Elle Check out previous Inaword Fab Exclusives: A Conversation with Plus Size Diva, Joanne Borgella Up Close and Personal with Dominican supermodel, Miguel Perdomo Style Profile: Bim Star of Aremu Premier Couture

It's an Inaword...fab Exclusive! A Conversation with (the divalicious) Joanne Borgella

Just picture it: a tall, curvaceous beauty in a long black mink, black tights and suede boots, standing in the middle of busy Manhattan street, eyes wide, arms open and singing out to the world, Mary Tyler Moore-style, "You're gonna make it after aaaallll!" Yup, that's Joanne Borgella in a nutshell, an over the top, down to earth diva with a big bubbly personality to match her fabulously full figure. Ms. Borgella had just left the offices of Wilhemina Models, where they had signed her on the spot to the pioneering 10/20 Division. She was already crowned winner of the first season of Monique's Fat Chance, and soon she would find herself on the big stage of American Idol as a Top 12 Female Finalist. But this moment, with the ink still drying on her modeling contract, was a lifelong dream fulfilled. She was officially a "Willy" girl! And it was fate and faith that got her there. Joanne's journey began in Oyster Bay Cove, Long Island, where she grew up happily as the only daughter in a proud Haitian family. Living on Long Island, she admits she morphed into a Jewish American Princess, complete with a dialect reminiscent of Fran Drescher. "Oh my god I was a JAP. But Haiti slapped that out of me," she explains. At age 13, the family moved home to Haiti, which she calls the "best five years of my life." It was there that she was truly cultured; enjoying ballet lessons, private schooling and the classic, old school vibe of a country where respect is key. "Amongst adults you speak French, no Creole. You use a proper fork and knife at the dinner table. It's just a very distinct culture." And she also honed her eye for fashion. "Haiti is very fashionable. You see the latest things on the runway. It really structured me for clothing and jewelry." In the meantime, she was also honing her multiple other talents. A singer since age three, Joanne began performing for live audiences while in Haiti. And as someone who spent an enjoyable afternoon in her luxurious apartment overlooking Manhattan, gabbing about everything from handbags to plastic surgery, I am a witness that her singing talent is unmistakable. Every story (and there were a bunch) was peppered with songs and melodies, like a soundtrack to her life. Unfortunately, the soundtrack to her early singing career is a melancholy blues. “I’ve had challenges in the music industry because of my size. I’ve worked with top people and bottom line they say, 'You need to lose 30 to 40 pounds.'" It was this hurtful opposition that led to her big break, Monique's Fat Chance. Joanne had always wanted to model, but never thought it was an option. Until one day, while relaxing at home, she spotted the comedienne Monique on BET's 106 and Park. "I’m like, 'What is this? Is Monique coming out with an album? What the hell?” But actually, she was seeking beautiful, thick girls for her new reality show on Oxygen. Feeling that this was the perfect fit for her, Joanne logged on to the show's site just in time for the last audition in Manhattan. She showed up early on audition morning, focused and clutching the book, “A Purpose Driven Life.” Although she was feeling defeated about her music aspirations, she held onto the hope that this was one opportunity where she would be accepted exactly as she is. She was seeking the same acceptance that many women and girls struggle to achieve. "I’ve had some girls write to me that were pretty much on the verge of suicide. Television is make believe. You just need to be happy with who you are." So there she was, in front of Monique and a panel of judges who were firing off random questions. "When you’re with someone intimately, how do you feel?" asked one panelist. "Honestly," she answered, "For the first five seconds it’s like, damn, he’s gonna touch the rolls?" Her winning personality sparkled past the pain she was feeling inside, that is until Monique struck a nerve. “It says here you’re a singer," she said, "And you’ve had a struggle with trying to become a singer…” Joanne began to cry as her frustrations bubbled over. "'You don’t understand how hard it is, because I know what I want to do, I know I have the vocals for it, I know I have talent, yet no one wants to hear me because of my size.” Her pain was palpable, and suddenly, everyone in the room was emotional. That's when Joanne began to sing, "I Will Always Love You," and clinched the audition. "I was just so happy, I could cry about it right now. It was an amazing moment." Next thing you know, she's on the next thing smokin' to L.A., where she shot the show and won! But just as soon as the whirlwind of winning Oxygen's number one show touched down, so did devastating news: Joanne's mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. "It was one of the happiest moments of my life, and such a blessing but it happened at such a tough time for me. So I didn't get to fully embrace the winning of the show." The many opportunities that presented themselves no longer seemed important; she had to be there for her mom and family. Happily her mom survived and thrived, and is now cancer free. With her mother's illness behind her, she was ready to get back to business. While paying a visit to Mikki Taylor, Beauty Editor of Essence, who was a judge on Fat Chance, she nonchalantly spilled the tea on her dream: to sign with Wilhemina. Moments later, an Essence colleague made a call and got her a meeting. Isn't that what friends in high places are for? Riding the PATH home that same day, feeling blessed and excited about the possibilities, she noticed an attractive woman staring at her. "It was a little uncomfortable. I mean she was staring for the whole ride and this is a thirteen minute ride! It was weird...I'd never gotten eyed out by a girl." A few days later, she gets to her meeting at Wilhemina, and who walks out but the girl that was staring at her on the PATH train! An example of what Joanne calls, "God's perfect timing and planning," the woman immediately recognized her. "You were on the PATH train on Monday!" she said. "You're that lesbian!" Joanne exclaimed. And the rest is history. After explaining that the woman was scouting her, the Wilhemina reps handed her a contract on the spot. "I absolutely love where I'm at," she says, "and I didn't have to change who I was." Since that time, she has done numerous editorials, television spots, and even some runway, although she admits there aren't a lot of runway shows for plus size girls. "The first thing I ever did was the The View in my bra. I had friends call and say 'I think I just saw your breasts this morning.'" Although the life of a model can be glamorous, it's also hard work. "It's not about eating Twinkies all day. Plus size models have to be proportionate. From bust to waist to hips. You do have to work out and be healthy." Joanne recommends small meals throughout the day and thirty minutes in the gym. "There are those times when I'm like 'I want the cheeseburger, with fries, extra dipping sauce.' But you have to get back to it. Everyone should want to try to be healthy. I'm not saying you should try to be skinny, but slender is good!" In terms of aspiring models, she warns that your bust, waist, and hip measurements should be within 10 inches of each other, you should be 5'9 or taller, and you should, of course, practice your faces in front of the mirror. Besides the ubiquitous Tyra trick to "smile with your eyes," she has another tip for girls with full lips. "When you have full lips, you have to part your mouth and show a little teeth in photos. Breathe in and smile." She's also become a self-described skincare and makeup guru. "I use La Mer on my face. It hydrates and makes my skin glow. It's extremely expensive, but skincare is a part of my job. I don't want people to go, 'Whatever bitch, I use Noxema.'" In terms of makeup, Joanne swears by Laura Mercier foundation, which she calls an "outstanding product." "She has my exact complexion. I have five bottles in my bathroom right now. It's good for footage and reads well on camera." After becoming such a success, you would think that Joanne was satisfied, but she had yet to realize her dream of becoming a professional singer. American Idol, Season 7 was the next challenge. She arrived in Philadelphia the night before the audition, accompanied by family. Along with 300 other hopefuls, Joanne and her sister-in-law slept outside in the dead of winter, using their handbags as pillows. "People were singing the entire night! Those same people had no voices the next day." At one point during the night, Joanne was laying down, looking up at the sky and couldn't help but notice a cloud in the shape of a hand directly overhead. "I was like, "That is the hand of God." She knew then that she was in the right place, at the right time. Out of 27,000 people there in Philly, she was one of the few that made it to Hollywood. She impressed the judges, and surprised them at the same time. "When you're plus size, you get typecast. They assume you're like [singing in a big, strong voice] "OH YEAH BABY" which i can do, but that's not me. Like the way Jennifer Hudson sings, she's amazing, but I'm more Faith Hill, contemporary/modern/classic, almost country." She expected Hollywood Week to be super stressful, but it was a breeze. She performed so well the first day that she got a free pass to the finale. And she calls her finale performance of Celine Dion's "To Love You More," during Hollywood Week "probably one of the best performances of my life." Unfortunately, when the episode aired, they didn't even show it. "That really hurt because if you're not seen on the show, you can't be loved by the audience." To make matters worse, on the first night of live performances on the biggest stage in music, the feedback on her mic went out during her version of, "Say a Little Prayer." Although she was given a chance to re-sing it, she knew she was going home. "It was a blessing though. I say to everyone, audition, it's an amazing opportunity." Post-Idol, Joanne has yet to slow down. She continues to pursue music while modeling constantly and has recently launched a handmade jewelry line, Ella by J.Borgella. She even plans to expand into handbags. Why the focus on accessories? “I think you can take a plain white T-shirt and accessorize the crap out of it. Put on a belt, a long chain, some boots and then throw on a hat. Accessories do make an outfit.” In term of clothes, Joanne is a big fan of H&M, gets great staples at Ashley Stewart, can always find her size in the Macy's on 34th and is obsessed with Zara. "In college, people used to be like 'Where are you going?' For me fashion has always been a part. And it really was handed down from my mother. She has always been a well dressed woman. Being plus-sized too, it’s a big factor because when you’re younger and you’re bigger, it’s harder to find clothing. So you have to get into it. And in the end you end up becoming someone who knows how to dress well." Or...you can end up looking tragic. But we both agree that the difference is undergarments. “Can we have a TV show about undergarments?” she asks. "People need to know. I see a lot of girls and they look well put together but then you see the lumps and the curves. I don’t care how big you are. I have thin friends that wear Spanx, because it gives you shape! Nobody looks the way they look on television. No one looks the way they look in a magazine. They wear Spanx, they airbrush, they hook everybody up. They’re selling a product, and they’re trying to sell perfection, which does not exist, but they’re trying to get as close to it as possible because that’s just the way it is. But don’t think that you need to wake up and look like that, because none of us do. It’s important to work out and eat healthy, but you don’t have to have a six pack. That’s where undergarments come in.” Amen! “You know what sucks, though? You know when you have an impromptu night and you’re wearing undergarments and then you’re with a guy, trying to be sexy, and it's like 'Wait, I’ve got my boning on.'” Do I ever. In terms of men, she admits she has a weakness for athletes, and guys who are funny. She also has a height requirement. "I'm tall and when I put on heels...how's that going to work out?" She's currently single in the city but is looking for a nice, God-fearing man that is family oriented. "I want to have a lot of kids. And I plan on having a wedding that's a week long! I'm a girlie girl like that." In the meantime, she has experienced the same frustrations of the dating world as the rest of us. "Men don't approach women anymore. They don't have to. Statistically, there are 20 women to every one man. I researched this ish. Out of 20 women, about 15 are loose. Three are recovering loosies. One is a virgin until marriage and one is in between, she might do it, she might not. Now what guy is not going to hit up the first 15 that are hot and willing to have that fun, and then not bother to call them?" Do the math, people! She also shares my feelings on text messaging. "Text messaging is the worst thing that could possibly happen to a woman. I had a relationship via text message. That's not hot. Guys don't call women anymore. It's kind of ruined romance." So while she awaits her Prince Charming, she remains on her grind. Singer. Model. Designer. She even has a television show in the works. And it's still not enough. "I just never feel like I'm doing anything. I constantly need to do more. But people tell me that's a good trait, because I'm hungry." And you just know, looking in her eyes, she is gonna make it after all. -Elle Joanne and I first met in the tents at Fashion Week Spring '09...if you missed it click here! Want another Inawordfab Exclusive? Up Close and Personal with supermodel Miguel Perdomo... There's more! Back to the homepage... Thanks Tamar!

An Inawordfab Exclusive! Up Close and Personal with Supermodel Miguel Perdomo

He remembers it like it was yesterday. The day he earned that dangerously sexy cut in his right eyebrow, the cut that is now his trademark. His mom was washing dishes and a young Miguel Perdomo made the mistake of ignoring her numerous requests. "No!" he said, over and over. He was much too busy playing with his toy cars to stop and pay attention to her. Mommy quickly fixed that. After about the fifth time she had to call his name, she got him good, right upside his head, with a microwave plate. He definitely learned the lesson. "I listen to women," he says. Sitting in the lobby of the Sofitel Times Square on a humid August evening, your girl Elle is listening intently as Sean John model Miguel Perdomo spills on everything from his upbringing to his career as a sought after model, which is headed full-tilt to superstardom. "I'm just loving life right now," he says, reflecting on a career that has served him well. Lucrative contracts, glamorous editorials, shows during Fashion Week, red carpets and flights overseas have become the norm. And it's just the beginning for the 26-year-old of Dominican descent. "I want to be sitcom actor. I want to be on TV for a long time and then transition into movies. I'd like to do a soap opera, a Spanish one. I'm definitely going to do that." So how exactly did a native son of Paterson, New Jersey, who grew up in a household of 18 people sharing a 4 bedroom apartment, land on the path to becoming the next Boris Kodjoe? We can thank fellow Paterson native Chris Collins, who currently models for Ralph Lauren as a new version of Tyson Beckford, who kept telling him to try it out. He finally agreed to do a show for Phat Farm back in 1999. "When I saw how much I got paid, I was like, 'This is where I need to be.'" Then came the work. Miguel began to study magazines like GQ, Cargo and Details monthly, to learn the art of posing, a practice he continues to this day. "I have to take his pose, and make it natural for me," he says. His advice to up and coming models is the same. "Look at fashion mags, do your homework, figure out which clothing line you're trying to link up with, what poses to do. Keep an eye on one of top models and see how they do it, and you'll learn." And Miguel is definitely one to watch. Since setting out, he's worked with Azzure Denim, Bleu Magazine, Calvin Klein Underwear, and COOGI Jeans. But Sean John is definitely his bread and butter. After being personally presented to Mr. Combs himself, Miguel landed an editorial contract that continues to be mutually beneficial. "Other lines always approach us, but the more loyal you are, the more loyal they are to you. When I got [to Sean John] they showed me a lot of love, and still to this day, it's like I'm brand new. I would never leave that company. The day they choose to run with another model, that's fine with me. We've got to part ways sometime. But in the meantime, I love it." The only thing that Puff asks of him now? "Don't get in trouble." That's not likely to happen. A peacekeeper by nature, Miguel relishes the role of caretaker of his family and enjoys time spent back home in the Dominican Republic, reconnecting with family members and mountain hiking. "The mountains over there are crazy. It takes 5 or 6 hours to get to the peak. Once you get to the top and look out at the country, the view is amazing." But of course, life in his industry can be just as enjoyable. A lot of time is spent at the hottest parties in NYC, shaking hands and kissing cheeks, as well as "bugging out and having a good time." His gorgeous face and body are offset by a totally approachable and laid-back vibe, so even the few who don't immediately recognize him are drawn to him like flies to honey. A single Scorpio, he's much too nice and entertains everyone who approaches him, which can have its detriments. "Sometimes I have to say I have a girlfriend. You speak to a girl, and she just don't get it and you have to try and calm her down," he explains. I have witnessed this firsthand, people. Women and gay men lose their mind around him, and even straight men want to know just what makes him tick. Trust, he has a hard time blending in. But what kind of women get Miguel's attention? Hoodchicks? Professionals? Models? "I like a hoodchick. I like professional women. But I don't like models. I like thick women. I'm Spanish, all you see is thick women." [Ding ding ding! Good answer! Ummm, did it just get hotter in here? Breathing in through the nose, and out through the mouth. And I'm back.] Unfortunately, consistent VIP status often includes open bar and numerous little noshes that are not included in the "Miguel Perdomo Diet." What's that you ask? "A lot of grilled chicken, a lot of apples, a lot of water, a lot of oatmeal. I OD on oatmeal and tuna. If you eat a lot of oatmeal in the morning, it tightens up your stomach. It makes the walls hard when you're doing your abs," he says. [And now I'm officially schvitzing. Quick, change the subject!] Is there the same pressure on male models to stay as thin as the women? According to Mr. Miguel, no. "With women it's more extreme. They have to stay between a 1 and a 0. That's insane. I know a lot of girls that eat and throw up. That's another reason I don't like models. Anyday, I'd rather have a plus size woman, or plus size model, than a skinny runway model." [Seriously, am I dreaming this? Girl, stop. Focus! I know, think of the gays!] Finish this sentence: As a heterosexual male in the industry… "It's very hard. I think me and one other dude are the only guys. Everyone else is… It is what it is, it doesn't bother me at all. If you're coming into this business, you should already know that," says Miguel. After all, fashion and gay men go hand in hand, and fashion is his business. As an industry insider, Miguel definitely enjoys clothes, from sneakers to suits and dressing up. Her currently counts G-Star as his favorite clothing line but also enjoys a little bit of Dolce & Gabbana, although he says the pieces can be a little snug for his liking. Even with money banked, he keeps it close to pocket. "H&M is my house. It's affordable. I'm not a guy to be flossing, that's not me." His favorite sneakers are Y-3's, Adidas' collaboration with Yohji Yamamoto, but he doesn't actually own a pair. At $350 a pop, he just can't justify the price. "When you really think about it, it's like come on now, there are people in the world starving. You got a pair of sneakers? For what?" A self proclaimed lover of both music and fashion, Miguel's favorite artists include Jay-Z, Nas, and old school favorites like A Tribe Called Quest and Black Moon. What about during a romantic evening at home? "I listen to a lot of Robin Thicke, that's one of my favorite albums. Best of Sade. Miles Davis, I like a lot of jazz. Curtis Mayfield, Donnie Hathaway. And Ledisi, she's dope." So what's next for Mr. Perdomo? Besides constant shoots and non-stop training for the upcoming New York Fashion Week, he's also using his background in graphic arts for a collection of graffic tees featuring his original designs. Apparently, hustlin' is his middle name. One last question: Is Barack going to win? "Oh hell yeah. This is a movement in history. Finally." Miguel and Elle Check out more pics of Miguel here! Back to the inawordfab homepage...

Style Profile: Bim Star of Aremu Premier Couture

Aroma Cafe is the NYC hot spot for Mac toting, Wayfarers wearing, lower Manhattanites with an upper Manhattan attitude. I once encountered a woman in white Balenciaga capris buying a BLT and a small coffee for $11.50, so you can imagine the scene surrounding us as I sat in a booth across from Bim Star, CEO of Aremu Premiere Clothing. His colorful vest, electric blue t-shirt and matching blue sneakers in this environment were a reflection of his line; urban flash in a couture cut. Bim Star, a nickname given from his years as an All-Star basketball player, did not always want to be a fashion designer. However, after what he calls an "amazing" experience working for Ralph Lauren, he decided to branch off and begin a line of urban wear that would break boundaries with new tailoring techniques and a blend of styles from all over the world. An example of this is the Rich Boy hoodie, a jacket tailored perfectly to his clients that embodies the vibe of a snooty upper class schoolboy while staying true to the urban trend and still screaming with individuality. Individuality is something Bim holds dear, as you can see in the name of his line: Aremu, which is very different from urban lines like Sean John, G-Unit, Phat Farm, etc. Not wanting to be like any other, he dismissed his original name, "Tricked Out," for something that better fits the vision of the line. Aremu is one of the eight names he holds on his birth certificate. But what made him choose it was not because it was his namesake but because it's hard to pronounce, "I want people to ask, what? How do you pronounce this?" The Aremu team, consisting of Rob 911, Joe Smooth, Remo, Super Black, and models Lady Nubia, Ms. Chels and Alan, all believe that this new approach to couture clothing is just what the industry needs. With only 2 years under its belt, the line already has a celebrity following including hip-hop artist MIMS, who was responsible for last year's summer hit, "This Is Why I'm Hot." After saying to Bim Star, "I thought you were gonna bring me some bullshit and when I saw it I was like damn you got some talent," MIMS now constantly wears Aremu Rocks tees and is the proud owner of a one of a kind Rich Boy sleeveless hoodie. With such a unique style to the line, you must wonder where the creative genius behind the look draws inspiration. "Life. Looking at people. Different cultures, music, art, trees… I stopped using ipods and playing games on the train because then you can soak up so much more." He adds that there are songs that he listens to while he works that pumps him up and allows him added inspiration, especially electronica and lounge, but points to Genesis by Justice Cross, up and coming R&B artist, Hennessy and MIMS as favorites right now. Bim Star doesn't have a favorite piece in his collection, mostly due to each piece having its own character. However, he does have plenty of goals for the line. Short term, he'd like to have a successful brand launch with a flagship store on the East or West coast and of course, 100% customer satisfaction. Long term: a runway launch. And in true Aremu fashion, he'd like to put his own personal spin on what a fashion show should be in the next 2 years. Like, for example, using a rooftop and polar bears. Yup, POLAR BEARS. He's also looking forward to wetting his feet with management and artist development via ANATURAL productions, www.myspace.com/anaturalgetsbusy. LAST WORDS:"First and foremost check out the myspace, www.myspace.com/bimstar. To our future clients: we are and will be continuously working towards keeping our pieces innovative for you guys. We are working toward the launch and website before years end and a party with free swag for regular people. We definitely appreciate the love, support, and encouragement; it keeps us inspired. We're just looking for Aremu Premiere to be the bar for urban couture fashion." With his final words said, it was time to have some fun; here are some questions that give you a little more of Bim Star, beyond the clothing line. 1. Nike or Adidas: Nike 2. Xbox or Wii: Wii 3. Favorite Movie: Great Expectations. Look it up! 4. Movie you can't wait to see: The Dark Knight. That role, the Joker, it's so evil, I think it drove him insane. 5. Celeb Crush: Ms. Alicia Keys 6. iPhone or Blackberry: Blackberry... iPhone is a great toy but Blackberry is business. 7. Mac or PC: Microsoft sucks; Vista is horrible. MAC! Thank You STEVE JOBS! 9. Style Idol: Let's not be cocky...myself! But I would pick Jay-Z, Pharrell, Rihanna...she's just not afraid and stands out as an individual. 10. London or Milan: Milan because I'm scared of nature so I would force myself to go and get in the water...even though I hate water! -Nastasia Thompson for inawordfab.com