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!

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

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!

 

 

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



 
 



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!

 

Trying to Keep My Cool

Although the mercury lingers above the 90 degree mark with no relief in sight, I press forward with arrangements to get my spring 2012 collection finished.  I am completely psyched about this collection because it shows how much I've matured as a designer.  I have a better understanding, I believe, of what retailers want for the curvy fashionista.  Last year when I launched my line for plus size women, I think it may have been a little too fashion forward for retailers.  Needless to say, I am hoping for better results this coming spring.

I have also been very busy putting the finishing touches on my inaugural handbag line.  It is too soon to tell whether or not it is going to be a hit.  But advance buzz is positive.  As soon as we have established accounts with reputable stores, I promise to share the news of where they may be purchased.

Great News!  I have learned that I will be featured in the August 15 issue of JET magazine.  Chronicling all things newsworthy in the Black community, the weekly periodical debuted in 1951.  It is truly an honor to be included on the pages of such an auspicious, culturally relevant publication.  As the date gets nearer, I will be reminding all of you to hurry to your local newsstand to buy your copy.

Peace & Fashion!

Papa's Got A Brand New Bag



Strong Enough For A Man, But Made For A Woman



I never really know where the wind is going to take me.  My business partners and I have revised our business plan on a number of occasions to reflect each new course we've taken.   As a small business owner, flexibility is essential.  My belief is when you're on a path that is not getting the results you want, it's time to change direction.   I've designed every kind of women's fashion you can imagine because I am looking for that place in the industry where I am most fulfilled both creatively and monetarily.

Last year when I launched my collection for plus size women, I decided to create my own handbags to accessorize my dresses.  I had no intention of ever selling the bags.  I was just trying to create a head-to-toe look that told the story of my imaginary muse who had traveled the world.  But I got such an overwhelming response from women asking about the bags that I've decided to pursue getting them into retail outlets.  They will, in all likelihood, sell for less than the dresses retailing at $95 to $250.  The styles have fun names like "Shop 'Til You Drop It Like It's Hot" and "Strong Enough For A Man, But Made For A Woman".  And I think they will appeal to women from age 18 to 80.  It's been gratifying sewing these bags myself.  I just hope that retailers far and wide will be taken with my fun, tongue-in-chic aesthetic.

Peace & Fashion!

Tick Tock

Time flies by so quickly.  Tomorrow I will be attending my goddaughter's graduation from fifth grade.  My bestie and I are celebrating 30 years of friendship later this year.  And this July 29th marks my official thirteenth year as owner of Sorta Kinda Enterprises.

I remember when I walked to the courthouse in downtown Brooklyn on that hot summer day so many years ago and filed my sole proprietorship papers.  It was not a sense of accomplishment that I felt, but it was just one of those things that one must do to classify your endeavor as a business.  Little did I know that it would be my first giant step in my evolution as a business owner and an independent fashion designer.

Some of you know it has not been an easy road and my net worth might even be less than what is was before I started on this fashion odyssey.  But it continues to be a trek that is free of second thoughts.  The simple truth is that I love what I do.  My fashion business has provided me with a sense of purpose.   From the moment I sketch a design to the time that it is made into an actual garment, I am giddy.  Ebullient.  Happy.  I don't know what I would do if I could not create fashion.  Lucky for me I don't have to entertain the thought.  Never mind Father Time as long as I have Lady Fashion to keep me company.

Peace & Fashion!

Genesis

Many years ago, over 11, I decided to start my own clothing line. What led up to that a-ha moment is a story for another time. But for now, let's just say that the universe supported my creativity. I christened the line Sorta Kinda because it was part of a phrase I had come up with to describe a girlfriend's oh so fierce new hair weave and my then boyfriend thought it had a nice ring to it. Naturally, I was very excited when I scampered off to one of those federal buildings in downtown Brooklyn on July 29, 1998 and filled out the paperwork for sole proprietorship. It was official! I could see my future unfolding like the movie with the classic "feel-good" Hollywood ending. I was going to set the world on fire, rise to become fashion's next darling, and have women across the U.S. chanting my name as they posed on sidewalks and red carpets wearing my clothes. The question on every woman's lips would be, "Versace, who?" Was I delusional, suffering from feelings of grandeur, or just green? Well it's 2009 and that has not happened, yet I am still in the game.

Fast forward to today, my business partner, Serosh, came up with this fantastic idea to create an accessory that would compliment our tops that we hope to bring to market this spring. I came up with this concept called "tee-bags" that would include a tote and a wristlet style. It's gonna be H-O-T! But right now we are faced with drama from our manufacturers overseas. First, our order was too small so a couple of manufacturers turned us down. They said it wasn't worth their time. Now we've got this French dude who says he can make it happen for us, but then disappears for days at a time without so much of a word. Wassup with that?! Everyday we are learning, but, damn, I am sick of the classroom! All I want now is to have those bags for sale at skwilbur.com. Whoever came up with the saying "Patience is a virtue" must have had me in mind. And since I am being SO virtuous, then you must be too. That's it for today, but check in from time to time just to see where I am in my odyssey. And if you feel like dropping me a line, then post something. Please, NO APPLAUSE! Just kidding. . .



Peace & Fashion!