It was great. It affirmed the fact that there was a customer waiting for this type of product from me at every size category and market tier. It was affirming.
The collaboration was supposed to be small, but through the creation of the product it grew larger than expected. I thought the market might be more open today for what I have, what I say, and what I do than it was six years ago when I left.
The Venice Film Festival was attended by both Jodie Turner- Smith and Tessa Thompson. Even wore two. How does it feel to get a red carpet credit again?
I adore those girls. I like being in L.A. because of the proximity to them. The HARBISON woman in front of so many people is what I love about what those women do. Jodie is a strong, intelligent, athletic, beautiful, poised, hyper-talented, and confident person. I get to put clothing on all of those women and have them walk the carpets so everyone can see it. That is what Harwood stands for. I think it’s great.
I think it’s safe to assume that you want every woman to gravitate towards your clothing, but I can’t help but notice that three of them are black. Do you think that adds any more significance for you?
The first images of beauty I saw were of black women. It was my family. It was how they moved in clothing, how they approached beauty, how they were strong women, but also effeminate, and beautiful. I begin to think about women and femininity when I think about them.
I did the same with this collection. The memories of those women are what I’m folding into these clothes. It is for the sake of everyone. Everyone should be clear that it starts with them. The nucleus is what they did in the world and how they helped me.
What do you want to see in the next few years?
The next few years are supposed to be about growth. I want anyone who wants a piece of this world to be able to get one. I want that expansion to encompass both men’s and women’s clothing, as well as accessories, beauty, and home. I’m just a product boy. I want beautiful things from this brand and for those beautiful things to get to whoever wants them. I don’t like playing games. There were no games.
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