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!