What I Am Doing Now

It is the time of year where school breaks for the summer, seniors plan for prom and graduation, and families finalize their warm weather travel plans.  The winter chill has long melted away and all is right with the world.

 

And it's also time for me to launch my next crowdfunding project for the summer.  If you've been following me, then you know that I successfully ran a crowdfunding project back in March.  I offered my HAPPY tote at 40% off as an incentive for people to pledge.  When I reached my goal on the last day of the campaign, I felt like a winner.  I had tried crowdfunding back in 2011 when I was still designing apparel, but never made it to the finish line.  So I felt a real sense of accomplishment.

 

With my new crowdfunding project that will launch on Monday, June 9 on Indiegogo.com, I will be sharing a portion of the proceeds from the sale of my HAPPY crossbody and small purse style with The Hope Program.  The people at Hope work diligently to provide vocational, educational, and social services to New Yorkers who are unemployed so that they not only find gainful employment, but develop a career path.  I partnered with them last year for the Christmas holiday, but it's my wish that people will really see the value in this initiative, pledge, and in so doing, support this very worthy cause.  In our own little way, we can lower New York City's unemployment rate TOGETHER.

 

So please, share with your friends, tell your neighbors, alert your co-workers, and shout it out to your family.  Get HAPPY and Give HOPE.

 

Peace & Fashion!

Charles James & SK WiLBUR

 
Last week I had the pleasure of visiting the Charles James: Beyond Fashion exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  I was first introduced to the genius of Charles James when I was a fashion design student in my 20s  at FIT.  Ushered into the close quarters of the school's fashion laboratory, my class was allowed to marvel at the underpinnings of one of James's works of art while the gloved hand of one of the lab workers peeled back each layer of fabric and tulle.  Needless to say, the experience left quite an impression on me. 

So many years later, when I was presenting my collection of dresses for the curvy woman, I referenced the iconic photo of women elegantly sheathed in Charles James gowns shot by Cecil Beaton.  I just thought it was the height of haute couture.  And I wanted to show that women of size could be just as elegant.  Now after eschewing the bright lights and drama of apparel, my focus has shifted to handbags.  Yet, in the ensuing years,  I am still awed by one of my design heroes.

 

Peace & Fashion!

I'm HAPPY!

The Citrus Tote by SK WiLBUR

Originally, I was designing a collection that was comprised mostly of leather.  It was an extension somewhat of my Holiday pieces with a little flavor from the Scandal collection thrown in for good measure.  I'm not sure why I was still in that creative mind space because neither one of those collections did well for me at retail.  I guess I was stuck.  But as I was shopping the Garment District one day, I came across a roll of this incredibly eye-catching cotton canvas in a shade of total lemony freshness that beckoned to me.  I didn't know what I was going to do with it, but I knew I had to have it.  After some contemplation and deliberation, I decided to turn the fabric into a tote.  The reaction among my friends and family was so positive that I was inspired to see what other silhouettes I could create in the heavy canvas.  Eventually, I scrapped everything I was previously working on and decided to focus on the new aesthetic in combinations of canvas and leather.  What has resulted is a spring collection filled with clean lines and bold, ebullient colors.  That's why I am calling it HAPPY.

 

After my successful crowdfunding campaign that ended on March 28, the Happy collection

The Young Americans Clutch by SK WiLBUR

quietly debuted last week on www.skwilbur.com.  My cousin was featured in the music video for Pharrell's global dance anthem, Happy.  And that was pretty exciting.  But then I started thinking about all of the other dance songs with "Happy" in the title and I was thrilled to discover Ella Fitzgerald's version of "Get Happy" and it really spoke to me on a very visceral level.  Great horns and awesome vocals make me wanna swing.  So as the temperatures start to climb, the flowers begin to bloom, and we emerge from the very arctic winter, I want to wish everybody a very joy-filled spring.  Come on and let's get HAPPY together!

 

Peace & Fashion!

 

Peace & Victory in Fashion's Name

 



promote, Promote, PROMOTE!

Sometimes I get really tired of talking about myself.  In this era of the selfie, narcissism has become commonplace.  I try not to take it too seriously, but self-promotion, it seems, is one of the necessary steps to one's goals.  So, grudgingly, I continue to engage in the new world order.  I have difficulty embracing the 11th Commandment - It's ALL About Me, so I teeter  between seclusion and overexposure.  Is there such thing as finding the perfect balance?  Either way, I feel like I am doomed.  But to celebrate self-promotion (LOL!), I'd just like to mention that SK WiLBUR Minis are now being carried at Noir et Blanc, a lovely boutique located on 25th Street, just off Broadway.  The purses range in price from $15 for a small canvas style to $30 for a larger leather style.  And they come in an assortment of HAPPY colors and patterns.  Prices so low on items that are so cute, that you should rush there now so you don't miss out.  Hurry, Hurry!  Quick, Quick!

 

Peace & Fashion!

 

 

SK WiLBUR at NY Fashion Week

Don't act like you didn't know about New York Fashion Week.  It's the bi-annual event where fashion designers show their collections of clothes that will land on store racks in six months.  I've shown my apparel collections during NYFW and I've even done guerrilla fashion shows on NYC sidewalks that caused quite a stylish stir.  So I was really hyped to participate in "Small Boutique Fashion Week" this Saturday past.  It all went down at The Metropolitan Pavilion on 18th Street between 5th & 6th Aves.  Hey, Lincoln Center is not the only fashion party in town. And there were runway shows and vendors, including yours truly, who were selling their wares.  The ladies who attended were snapping up SK WiLBUR purses, handbags, and clutches and I found that really validating.  I was even interviewed by urban radio legend Jeff Foxx.  I'll be posting the YouTube link so you can see some of the newest pieces and listen to our chat.  Altogether, it was pretty awesome!

Make sure you keep it locked in here so you don't miss out on any of the Black Fashion Dude fun!

Peace & Fashion!

SK WiLBUR being interviewed by Jeff Foxx

Lovely Shakyra is rockin' the cotton zebra purse with the ostrich feather fringe

What Does The Designer Say?





I've been on a creative jag sewing up all style of purses that I think will be haute for spring.  Cleaner, simpler lines with boldly patterned cotton linings are the details of distinction.  I am hoping that this refined aesthetic will garner more fans and customers.  Since I have already declared 2014 as my Year of Triumph, my expectations are high.  But proof is in the pudding, as they say.  So take a look below and let me know what you think.  I can always use some feedback.

 

Peace & Fashion!



The Black Sea Leather Shoulder Tote

Traveling Mercies Leather Cross Body

Lemon Cotton Canvas Tote with Tangerine Leather Stripe

New Year. New Opportunities.

I am not a New Year resolution making type of guy.  Honestly, I find resolutions too easy to break.  But I do take a moment to examine the year past and say a prayer for the coming twelve months.  And my prayer is usually the same.  I simply ask God to make me a better me.  I want to be an exceptional husband, brother, friend, son, and uncle.  I want to be more patient.  I want to relinquish worry from my reserve of emotions because worry just prevents you from experiencing joy in each moment.  And I always pray to be a more successful businessman and fulfilled designer.

 

2013 was, for me, a year of transition.  I have proclaimed 2014 a year of triumph.  To that end, I am pushing myself creatively while putting myself in a position of opportunity.  I will be a vendor at The Carbon Bazaar Pop UP Shop this Saturday, January 25 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Mist Harlem located at 46 West 116 Street in NYC.  I will be showcasing new styles and all my previous styles will be drastically marked down with an additional 50% off.  I hope many of you will come out to support, so that we can really start this year triumphantly.

 

What would make 2014 a Year of Triumph for you?  Leave your comments below so we can dialogue.

 

Peace & Fashion!

 

 

Glad Christmas Bells

I survived Thanksgiving (Wheww!) and I am onto the crazy holiday season that now besieges us.  I have created special items just for this time of year with hopes that people who previously found me expensive (who me???) will log on and support me now.  Butter soft leather wristlets and cross body purses in snappy, vibrant colors are readily available (and affordable) at www.skwilbur.com.  I am also participating in some holiday shopping events around the tri-state area, so please continue to follow and support my activities.

 

SK Santa busy at the sewing machine

My refrain for several years has been "It's hard out here for a pimp!"  Borrowed from the Terrence Howard film Hustle & Flow, it expresses my sentiments succinctly.  But I am grateful to do what I love doing.  My wish this holiday season is for everyone to find joy in their day-to-day lives.  And speaking of joy, I will be donating $5 to The Hope Program for every skwilbur.com purchase from now until Dec. 15.  So spread a little joy in some else's life and come Get Your Purse ON with SK WiLBUR!

 

Peace & Fashion!

 

 

A Year Later

My 45th birthday was a washout - LITERALLY.  Hurricane Sandy had decimated NYC and brought my beloved city to it's knees.   Even now, a year later, families are still displaced and homes remain uninhabitable.  Personally and professionally, my own perfect storm had wreaked havoc on my life.  I was so far in debt that I could not even see my way out of it.  And that made me question whether my fifteen year pursuit of my fashion design dream was really worth it.  There had been no balance in my life for quite some time.  All I did was work.  I had become so absorbed with "making it work" that I had little time to enjoy life's little pleasures.  As a result, I ate all my problems away and gained so much weight.  When I looked in the mirror, I didn't even recognize the joyless, fat person staring back at me.  It was Sandy that stopped me in my tracks and made me reconsider the things that really mattered.  On my birthday, in my home where I was left with no heat or electricity, I contemplated all those things and made the hard decision to forego my apparel design pursuits.  I was angry with the universe for not providing me with the opportunities necessary to become a financial success.  And I was angry with the curvy women who seemed to love what I did, but did not demonstrate their support of me monetarily.  But things always have a way of working out.

A year later, I am triumphant.  When my sister gave me a Handbag Workshop Class at a local college as a birthday gift last year, it opened my eyes to other options in design.  Now I am actually selling purses to women in Tennessee, California, and as far away as Oslo, Norway.  I finally feel validated in my design pursuits.  My bags are also being carried in two New York City stores.  I have lost 30 lbs. since my birthday last year.  And my partner of fifteen years who has supported me and loved me through the great and the not-so-great times married me earlier this year in a small, yet magical ceremony.  A year later, I feel like I am back on track.  I feel centered, more focused.  I love what I do.   Women actually demonstrate that they love what I do when they make a purchase and that really makes me feel good.  And I am taking time to enjoy the simple things again like time with family and friends, seeing museum and gallery exhibits, and exploring the city that I love so much.  So Happy 46th Birthday to me!  Sure, I could complain about some things, but I won't because I remember what last year was like.  And life is so much better now.

 

Peace & Fashion!

What's New?

I haven't had time to breathe, much less blog.  But with a few stolen moments, I am using this down time to get some thoughts out there.

 

The SK WiLBUR + Fashion For Breakfast  Giveaway was a success.  Congratulations to MC Chau and Dori Carter!  We had over 300 entrants.  I am so thankful that my family weren't the only ones interested in the specially created carryall.  You may not have won, but everyone is a winner.  So to speak.  We are now selling a limited quantity of the style, Teena's Misdemeanor, on www.skwilbur.com.  So log on and order yours before it's too late.

 

 

 

Exclusive SK WiLBUR handbag styles are now being carried at The Brownstone at 24 East 125 Street in Harlem, NY.  You can't find them on our website or at any other store,  so make sure you take a trip uptown and holla at my girl, Princess, the shop's owner and buyer.

 

SK WiLBUR and the author/actor/TV Host Terrence J

I recently finished reading a wonderful memoir by TV personality and actor Terrence J  that really resonated for me.  "The Wealth of My Mother's Wisdom" includes anecdotes about the Queens, NY native's struggles to make his dreams come true and the advice his mom gave to him along the way.

 

In particular, there is a chapter titled Perseverance & Determination that made me reflect on my own struggle to get my collection into the Fifth Avenue fashion emporium Henri Bendel.  The store hosts a bi-annual Open See that allows designers to bring their wares to be reviewed by the buyers with the hopes that their lines will be picked up by the store.  I've tried on nine (9) different occasions without success.  And I swore I would never try again.  But after reading the book and since I've never tried with my purses, I am starting to reconsider.  The next Open See is this Friday, which happens to be my favorite aunt's birthday.  Maybe it's in the cards for me this time.  I'll keep you posted.

 

That's it for now, Fashion Gladiators.  Find me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.  If you holla at me, I will definitely hit ya back.

 

Peace & Fashion!

How Far Would You Go. . .?

I continually ask myself, "How far will you go, Wilbur?" because I always want the seemingly unattainable.  But sometimes I don't have to go very far to achieve my heart's desire.  This season, I wanted to be able to hire a professional videographer to direct a promotional short film for me.  I hadn't really vocalized it, but my wish came true anyway when I casually asked Patrick, my product photographer, if he knew of anyone.  Surprisingly, he did.  And Carlo did such an AMAZING job with the video that I am planning other projects that we can work on together.  Of course, you don't have to take my word for it.  You can watch it below or just visit www.skwilbur.com and see for yourself.  Let me know what you think.

 

Peace & Fashion!

 



My Name is Bennett

Tim Tebow - A player without a team

Today is the last day of New York Fashion Week.  And, truth be told, I'm feeling a little wistful because I haven't been an active participant for several seasons.  I am sort of like the football star, Tim Tebow, who has not been given the opportunity to peacock on the playing field.  Although the air is crackling and charged with an energy that is intoxicating and everyone is cheering as the designs hit the runway, I sit sidelined in front of my computer screen or thumbing through the daily newspaper trying to keep up and engaged.

 

As an apparel designer, I never reached the pinnacle where I showed my collection in the tents during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  Yet, I was savvy enough where I was able to garner the attention of the press by staging a couple of guerrilla fashion shows on the sidewalk outside the tents.  It was a lot of work, but it was great fun and I felt like my work was validated when I appeared in national newspapers and on morning talk shows.

The piece from NY Amsterdam News

 

These days, after reinventing myself, I am quietly plugging away with my handcrafted purses focused, instead, on making money and building my brand.  Although the pop of the flashbulbs has dimmed momentarily, I am quite pleased with my accomplishments so far.  And faster than you can say, "Fashion Touchdown," the lights will shine brighter than before.

 

In the meantime, check out my newest offerings at www.skwilbur.com.  And tell your friends, too!  Word of mouth is a powerful tool. 

 

Peace & Fashion!

Point and Shoot

This Saturday past we shot the editorial campaign for SCANDAL, my fall handbag collection.  Our small team consisted of Ashanti - my sister, muse, and the company's director, Rebecca - my sister-in-law, photographer extraordinaire, and the mother of my delicious niece & nephew, Carlo - the newest member of the SK WiLBUR posse who is a talented videographer on the rise, and, of course, yours truly - the handbag architect, purse purveyor, and self-appointed Captain Clutch.  When you get down with such a small crew in such an intimate setting, it's all just sweetness and love and LOTS of hard work.

 

This go round I wanted to focus on the criminal aspect of fashion and how when you want something SO bad, you're almost willing to do ANYTHING to get it.  I've provided a sneak below of one of the images so that you can get a sense of the direction we went in this season.  Stay tuned because these covetable purses will be available for purchase within the next couple of weeks at www.skwilbur.com.

 

 

Peace & Fashion!

The Crime Scene

 

Under the Glare of the Flashbulb

ADULTERESS Shoulder Bag photographed by Patrick Sayo



Tomorrow is the BIG day.  My sister-in-law, Rebecca Rodriguez, is shooting the editorial pics for the SCANDAL Collection - my fall line.  And I am SO excited!  I can't wait to share all the deets with you next week.  Stay Tuned!

 

Peace & Fashion!

 

If Oprah Asked Me



Oprah & Me - The Dynamic Duo

By now, I am sure you've heard all the brouhaha concerning Oprah being dissed by a sales associate at a high end store in Switzerland.  Apparently the talk show titan/philanthropist/cable network owner/actress/billionaire wanted to see a handbag costing about $38,000 and was told that she couldn't afford it.  While I don't have anything that high end in my collection, I've got plenty of fabulosity and one thing to say, "Oprah, I've designed lots of bags and you can see any style you want!"  So if you happen to see Ms. O, just whisper in her ear that SK WiLBUR is ready, willing, and able to tend to her pocketbook needs.

 

Spotted Fur

Brown Tweed

Burberry Menswear

 

In keeping with my theme and focused on the grooviest, on-trend use of materials - menswear fabrics, leather, and faux fur, here is another sneak peek of a purse style that will be available from the SCANDAL Collection by SK WiLBUR this fall.  I think the chocolate leather and Donegal wool tweed nicely play off the spotted faux fur.  And the braided leather strap and gold metal hardware give it a luxe look.  Do you think it's a winner?  Weigh in and let me know.  And check out some of the fierce images that inspired this piece.

Peace & Fashion!

 

 

Cat Fight!

Working the CAT lapels!

I love a luxurious faux fur - especially of the wild cat variety.  None of the calories and half the fat!  Plus, it's fashionably fun and bold.  So for my fall/winter collection - SCANDAL - I fully embraced it.  Of course, my inspiration came from some of the most stylish, of-the-moment runways and sidewalks, too.

Peace & Fashion!

Tabloid Fodder - A little Tabby and a lot TIGER!

Tabloid Fodder Handbag - SEEING SPOTS!






Black and White Fur - MEOW!









On the Jean Paul Gaultier Couture Runway - Feline Phenomenon



 
 



Bag IT!

I am always inspired by other talented designers.  My new "Measure 4 Measure" Handbag was inspired by a Christian Louboutin sandal from a season or two ago that I thought was so cleverly designed.  Check it out below!

Peace & Fashion!

Christian Louboutin

SK WiLBUR

Black and White and Red Allover

Painting the Fabric

Sweetheart Zebra Handbag - Almost Finished

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graphic black and white zebra gets a new spin with hand painted red hearts.  It was a long process, but I am pleased with the results.  What do you think?

 

By the way, I am now on Pinterest, too.  So check me out and repin some of my images.  I am still trying to figure it out myself.

 

See you at the Trunk Show this Saturday, July 27 at ONLY HEARTS.

 

Peace & Fashion!

 

Fashion, Music, and Merriment

I am just thrilled and honored to be doing my first trunk show with Only Hearts here in NYC.  I've been working on a couple of new styles that will be available for the occasion.  And my creativity is running rampant.  I even took a break from the sewing machine to film a video.  Catch a glimpse of everything right here and MARK YOUR CALENDARS.  It all goes down on Saturday, July 27 at 4 p.m.

 

See you there and be sure to bring a friend (or two)!

 

Cambodia Camouflage Handbag with Shoulder strap and Pink Leather Accents

 

Peace & Fashion!

Get Your SK WiLBUR Purse ON!

I am so excited and thrilled to announce that I will be doing my first trunk show, EVER.  And that means that I will have every EXOTICA bag that is in my arsenal with me at ONLY HEARTS (230 Mott Street, NYC between Prince & Spring streets) where my handbags are sold.  Any special items that are not sold on www.skwilbur.com will be available for your purchase on Saturday, July 27 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  And you'll even be able to get a FREE gift with any SK WiLBUR purchase.

 

It's time for you to heed my advice and Get Your Purse ON!  Don't you think?  And don't forget to bring your friends, too.  What kind of friend would you be if you let them miss out on this kind of fabulosity?  I'm just saying. . .

The OFFICIAL Flier

 



Peace & Fashion!