VINTIGE X READ CONVENTION MAG: INTERVIEW
• CLOTHING BRAND •
Name: Iman Tatum
Age: 33
Location: Atlanta
How do you describe your Brand to people?
A Lifestyle Brand driven to succeed by any means necessary. The DNA of our brand was created to influence the leaders, innovators, and true visionaries striving to progress and positively influence modern day society. We are a Luxury Brand Inspired By Lifestyle.
What is the motivation behind your whole movement?
Winning is the motivation behind our brand and we don’t take no for an answer. We pride ourselves in taking un-traditional routes to convey the vision behind our brand and are motivated by life itself. The vision behind our brand comes from never settling for less and being able to push yourself beyond the limits you set for yourself. We truly believe success is our only option.
When did you realize that you wanted to become a fashion designer?
In 2006 I realized I wanted to become a fashion designer. Bored with fashion and never was one to follow trends. I wanted to create my own lane and there was never a brand that I felt truly represented who I am or what I represented.
and what was the first item you ever designed?
The first tee designed was our “The Dream Is Real” tee. This is the embodiment of our brand because it represents the moment our dreams became a reality.
What was the main factor for launching your line when you did?
There weren’t any brands that I felt represented me and those behind the Vintige brand. From day one I always wanted to be my own boss and set my own rules. Creating a brand was the only way to make that dream a reality.
What is your favorite part about conceptualizing a design?
My favorite aspect of creating a design is from idea to production.
The design process for me is about creating an idea and a lifestyle. As a designer you go back and forth with color combinations, style, seasons and making sure you are not only designing for your target market but for yourself.
Do you feel like what you are doing is important?
Yes I feel like what we are doing is important because you have millions of people across the world who would love to own their clothing company or business in general but have the fear of failure which inhibits them from taking the first step. Others seeing the growth process of our brand or seeing someone or something they aspire to be allows the people behind the Vintige brand to work even harder. We know others look up to us and it is our job to keep grinding and being an inspiration to the masses and community to continue pushing the limits and boundaries of becoming and staying successful in our lane.
Your concepts are very unique and original is there a pressure to always maintain that consistency with your new designs?
Yes there is definitely pressure because you want each collection to be better than the last one. Being unique and original is the key to being more consistent and not creating designs based off of current trends. The hardest part of being a designer is maintaining the integrity of the brand by being as original as possible and not following or looking at trends or competitors.
Would you sell if someone came along and offered to buy you out?
Hell No.
Lastly, could you talk about any long-term goals you have in mind?
Long term goals consists of expanding our product line to cut & sew to include a luxury extension of the line as well as a women’s and kids line. Our plan within the next year is to keep all production in house and extend our retail accounts both domestically and internationally.
We are also in talks with several brands and artists for upcoming collaboration projects to include the launch of our non-profit later this year. The goal over the next 12-15 months is all about growth and streamlining new production and marketing strategies and having fun doing it.
Social Media Links?
www.vintigecollection.com
www.facebook.com/vintigecollection
http://vintigelife.tumblr.com/
Instagram @vintige
Twitter @vintige
