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!

 

 

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!

 

 

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!

Perspiration & Inspiration

As I sweat it out during these dog days of summer, I am busy finishing up the pieces for Fall/Winter 2013.  The purses are a mélange of wool menswear fabrics, metallic leather, and faux fur.  Here is the inspiration and the actual piece it inspired.  What do you think?

 

SK WiLBUR menswear-inspired purse

Paris Designer, Bouchra Jarrar





Is it going to be a winner with you ladies this Fall?

 

Peace & Fashion!



Purse Dreams & Other Things

I'm finally ready to write & share again.  I'm looking at the glass as half full and speaking positivity into my life.  All this Zen stuff is just a way of preparing you for what I'm about to write.

 

This March past, after 24 years, I was let go from my position at the plantation.  GASP!  I'm not going to go into any details because it's just not important.  But I believe that the universe pushed me out of a place of comfort & complacency so that I could pursue my purpose ALL THE TIME at full throttle.  I am grateful for my time there because I forged lifelong bonds and it  has prepared me for this next phase of my life.  Now enough about that!

 

Me at work on an EXOTICA purse.

I am fully immersed in purse design and construction.  If you've had a chance to visit www.skwilbur.com, then you've seen the clutches and the totes that we're offering for sale.  The purses are also available at www.etsy.com/shop/skwilbur and at Only Hearts, a charming boutique with two locations in Manhattan at 386 Columbus Avenue & 230 Mott Street.  You can find more options like shoulder bags and other colors at the boutiques.  Ashanti and I are also doing purse parties.  We were hosted for two very successful events in Queens & Brooklyn.  If you'd like to host a purse party in your home, please contact us through the site or comment on this blog post.  Hosting has its privileges because you could be eligible for a FREE SK WiLBUR PURSE.

 

I am now creating the fall line which will debut this September on www.skwilbur.com.  It's still under wraps and I don't want to give too much away, but I'm calling the collection SCANDAL.  I was inspired by the hit TV show starring Kerry Washington.  I am working with materials like wool menswear fabrics, metallic leathers, and faux fur and it is HAUTE, honey!  Here are a couple of sneak peek photos just to whet your appetite.  If you'd like to pre-order, let us know at info@skwilbur.com!

 

 

Well, I need to get back to the matter at hand, and that is purse construction.  But I promise to be better  at keeping in touch with you!  Enjoy your weekend!

 

Peace & Fashion!

My Road To Recovery

Birthday Cake in the dark after SANDY

Last year, my birthday was a catalyst for my Perfect Storm.  On October 31, I turned forty-five - a blessing, to be sure.  My family survived Hurricane Sandy with only a loss of power that lasted five days.  Compared to so many families who lost their homes, it was just a minor inconvenience.  For the most part, I came through the storm unscathed.  It, however, became a moment of introspection and re-evaluation.  I began to question my commitment to my fashion design career.  I'd eaten my way through frustration and disappointment reaching an all-time high of 245 lbs.  I was not being supported for my hard work and dedication by the full-figured women who claimed to love my aesthetic.  And, worse, joy was missing from my life.  After fifteen years of hard work and little monetary reward, I was burnt out.  It was crucial for me to make some changes in my life.   Angry with God, I made the difficult decision to turn my back on apparel.

The Large Cambodia Camouflage Clutch

There is that overused cliche, "It is always darkest before the dawn."  But it seemed to apply to my life as I was about to move in another brighter direction.  Around my birthday, my sister sent me an email about a day-long Handbag Workshop that was being offered at LIM College.  "I'll send you for your birthday, if you are interested, " she wrote.  "Of course," was my response.  My shapeless future took shape in that room filled with dozens of other handbag designer wannabes.

Earlier last year, two women who I work with had already confided in me that they thought I needed to focus on handbags.  They thought my designs were fun and would find a supportive audience.  I am oftentimes open about people's suggestions and this moment was no different.  But I did take a wait and see attitude.  Could they have seen something that I was not able to see myself?  There was a confluence of other episodes that led me to believe that, perhaps, the universe was moving me forward to the next chapter in my life.  Many times I've said that having the ability to design is a gift and I need to honor my gift at all times because it is not one that is given freely.  So I have fully embraced handbag design.

On Monday, February 25, www.skwilbur.com will be updated with the handbag designs that my business partners and I are selling.  Starting off small, we are offering two clutch styles in four different colorways.  We are also giving women an opportunity to special order other colors of their choosing.  We're hoping to finally secure retail orders, as well.  Making progress is a process and I am always in a learning curve.  Yet, I am feeling  positive about what the future holds.  Sometimes you've got to take a step back to move forward.  And when those orders start to come in, I will feel validated and fully recovered.

Peace & Fashion!

Sitting This One Out



Latest Handbag Creation from SK WiLBUR



This February, for NY Fashion Week, I won't be producing a runway show or presentation of my Fall 2012 collection.  In the past, I've had bouts with feelings of inadequacy because I believed that I was just falling short of the prize.  Not being able to be a part of the twice yearly fashion fray for financial reasons (it costs a lot to mount even the smallest of spectacles), I would live vicariously through the daily coverage in newspapers or try my best to ignore it altogether.  I was like the kid in school who missed the class field trip and was left out of the conversation with my peers because it was all they were talking about.  Call it peer pressure for the fashion set.  Even now, I wish I could be a part of the NY Fashion Week game instead of being a bench warmer.  But I am no longer grappling with those feelings of inadequacy that used to plague me.  I don't feel the same kind of pressure any more because now I am playing the fashion game on my own terms.  It is far more important to begin laying the foundation for a revamped and dazzling website for September where our goal is to increase website traffic and grow our customer base.  Besides, after all that work of staging and casting and inviting and styling, the payoff is sometimes not worth the headache.

Creatively, I am in a great place.  I am just waiting for the Curvies of the world to fully support what I do.  And then it's on and poppin'!  And God willing, I won't have to sit out another NY Fashion Week again.

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!