Malcolm Staples
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~ Tailor/Designer ~

Copa: Where are you from?
Malcolm: Saginaw, Michigan now residing in Washington DC.
Malcolm: Saginaw, Michigan now residing in Washington DC.
Copa: At what time did you discover the thrill of Fashion?
Malcolm: I think early on I knew I loved the art of dressing seeing my grandfather put on a show every time he stepped out of the house. His mission was to show up and show even making his weekly trek to the barbershop. I mean the dude was suited and booted with tailored clothes from head to toe. His belief was you can always dress down but always wanted to be ready by dressing up. So my instincts and desires were all framed by this imagery of fashions. I was so moved to create a vision that emulated ideas depicted by my grandfather. So I guess the value I gained helped ignite me internally to pursue fashion. |
Copa: As a Clothing Designer, how would you categorize the apparel you produce?
Malcolm: High quality yet believable garments. I want to be known as a designer for all. I want to create pieces germane to all sizes, bodies and shapes. I’m extremely meticulous with details because they really separate the men from the boys. It’s with details that distinguishes you not just a designer but as a technician making sure the goods meet a standard of excellence. |
Copa: Please share with our readers the feeling you experience when you cut the patterns and assemble from your sketches?
Malcolm: The sketching and execution phase is very organic. While the physical cutting is the same, how you arrive at the execution is a journey in itself. For example, my signature Tiffany suit design was in my head for five years. It went through several iterations before it ever saw the light of day. So the reason I didn’t roll it out sooner , I was in a battle with myself on the ultimate and overall aesthetic. I wanted the suit to not only make a statement but to illustrate an evolution of my concept of a suit influenced by men but designed for a woman. When you experience concept to execution in its fullest rotation that is a wonderful and rewarding experience.
Malcolm: The sketching and execution phase is very organic. While the physical cutting is the same, how you arrive at the execution is a journey in itself. For example, my signature Tiffany suit design was in my head for five years. It went through several iterations before it ever saw the light of day. So the reason I didn’t roll it out sooner , I was in a battle with myself on the ultimate and overall aesthetic. I wanted the suit to not only make a statement but to illustrate an evolution of my concept of a suit influenced by men but designed for a woman. When you experience concept to execution in its fullest rotation that is a wonderful and rewarding experience.
Copa: Who are your 3 most influential designers of all time and why?
Malcolm: The three with most impact to my development were Coco Chanel, Christian Dior and Ralph Lauren. Each one of these iconic designers inspired me differently, Coco was the innovator of the sexy sexy suit and clothing for women. She was well ahead of her time and established her own vibe with suiting elements inspired by men’s garments. She was not afraid to be her true authentic creative self and made sexy synonymous with main stream garments. Christian Dior’s beautiful dressmaking and innovative hat inclusion and coordination was an impeccable display of beauty and creativity. His ensembles were simply at another level. Elegant clothing that oozes with vibrant colors and awesome tailoring. The consummate example of the professional presentation. And finally Ralph Lauren. Making classic and timeless suits that are elegantly presented but tell a life story with every presentation. He was one of the first designers to show women models wearing neckties which is definitely my aesthetic and a signature element of every collection I design. Several African American Designers like Everett Hall and Karl Kani were also very instrumental in helping me craft an aesthetic that fits the personality I seek to convey in my brand.
Malcolm: The three with most impact to my development were Coco Chanel, Christian Dior and Ralph Lauren. Each one of these iconic designers inspired me differently, Coco was the innovator of the sexy sexy suit and clothing for women. She was well ahead of her time and established her own vibe with suiting elements inspired by men’s garments. She was not afraid to be her true authentic creative self and made sexy synonymous with main stream garments. Christian Dior’s beautiful dressmaking and innovative hat inclusion and coordination was an impeccable display of beauty and creativity. His ensembles were simply at another level. Elegant clothing that oozes with vibrant colors and awesome tailoring. The consummate example of the professional presentation. And finally Ralph Lauren. Making classic and timeless suits that are elegantly presented but tell a life story with every presentation. He was one of the first designers to show women models wearing neckties which is definitely my aesthetic and a signature element of every collection I design. Several African American Designers like Everett Hall and Karl Kani were also very instrumental in helping me craft an aesthetic that fits the personality I seek to convey in my brand.
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Copa: How long does it take for you to design a new collection and present for a fashion show?
Malcolm: It varies but usually requires about 6-8 months when done correctly. I don’t know anyone who creates a collection in isolation. As a small business owner it’s virtually impossible without the rigors of running the business, handling the marketing and promotion all at the same time. You build it within whatever current showcase but anticipate what the next season will involve. Transitioning from one to the next is no small feat. For me building in the marketing and promotion phase is equally important for the selling of the collection.
Malcolm: It varies but usually requires about 6-8 months when done correctly. I don’t know anyone who creates a collection in isolation. As a small business owner it’s virtually impossible without the rigors of running the business, handling the marketing and promotion all at the same time. You build it within whatever current showcase but anticipate what the next season will involve. Transitioning from one to the next is no small feat. For me building in the marketing and promotion phase is equally important for the selling of the collection.
Copa: What is your website address so our readers can purchase your clothing?
Malcolm: Because I am custom bespoke tailoring. I don’t use traditional websites to sell my garments. I work by appts only. My clients contact me directly at [email protected] or by connecting with me on the social media platforms IG @executived1 or at FB at Malcolm Staples. Copa: What does the future hold for Malcolm Staples and his world of Fashion & Style?
Malcolm: I will continue to expand my brand through commercial and print jobs as well as participating in strategic fashion platforms that are continuing to flow in spite of COVID-19. I will be participating in two upcoming international fashion spectacles in Paris and Dubai as an invited designer in the coming months. As well, will be engaged in two movie projects dressing a group of creatives and talents for upcoming feature films. The grind continues. |