Despite only arriving in New York City a mere six years ago, Chris Aprel has gained a strong foothold in the fashion industry. His slick designs and creative clothing reconstructions take fashion to a whole new level, as his work ethic promotes one thing being you, and no one else. We think 2012 is sure to see the next big break in high fashion, as Chris acquires more attention towards his style and the direction in which he plans on going. Chris aims to be better than other NYC fashion brands, as he concentrates on the little things in each piece of clothing. After all, the little things do make the biggest differences.
Q1. How did you get started?
Well, it’s from years of reading and interning – just doing it. I interned at The Source Magazine, Garment Smith, Showroom 22, and I worked for a dude called Derek Webster – an entrepreneur. He’s a genius. He taught me about the design aspect and the business aspect.
Q2. What inspires the brand?
My friends. I don’t really know anyone, I’m just a Brooklyn kid. I’m not up on models, I love reading up on designers – they have the weirdest life stories. My brand, The Aprel Room, is something I’ve been working on for a little while. I could release it now, but I feel when I drop and release something, I want it to be the best thing out of New York! It’s not too hard, as most of the brands in New York aren’t unique. I feel everyone is getting their style from stylists – there’s nothing unique about that.
Q3. What has been the hardest thing to get the brand to where it is today?
Developing the confidence in being different. The hardest thing to do is be different. It takes a special difference to recreate the shape of something, or the shape of a shirt or button.
Q4. Biggest success to date?
Building a comfortability level with myself. Growing up is becoming comfortable with my body. Not being scared to express yourself is a huge obstacle to overcome.
Q5. What does the future hold for the brand?
I’m launching before summer 2012. It’s going to be a big deal. It’s going to be on every blog, you’ll see. I’m going to billboard the lot – just because I’m a little kid, it don’t mean it’s not going to be a big deal.
I just want to create a big effect. I don’t want to make clothes to sell in mass production. I guess I should make a brand because that’s what I probably should do, but I want to make custom clothing for high-end clients. I want you to be able to come to me and be like “I want an outfit for this show, premiere, etc.”. Some of the stuff I make is not easily processed. I want the clothing to be an expression of you and where you’re from.
Q6. Can you tell us a bit about the first collection?
Denim jackets – they’re so beautiful with different colored arms and striped hoodies, its crazy! T-shirts are all hand-done, washed and studded. I don’t like embroidery seams so I take them out so they have flat edges. I got the confidence from Y-3. They’re different. They always make sure to add that one small extra detail that sets them apart from the rest. It doesn’t take something drastic to be different – just that one little thing.
There are so many regular kids out in Brooklyn, who are so dope, but just don’t have the money to finance their stylistic expressions. I don’t want to make a cliché brand, I just want to do something completely me.
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Go check out Chris Aprel street-snap HERE .
And check out his blog HERE
Written and Edited by Danial Saiful