So, you want to learn how to be a denim designer?
On Dec 3, Complex announced the new Parsons x Complex Streetwear Essentials course with Yellowbrick. I was extremely excited to be one of, if not the first designer to be called and interviewed by Yellowbrick for the program. I shared my view of the history of streetwear, denim design, plus discussed marketing and e-commerce in today's market. I’m also proud to announce through a partnership with Yellowbrick, the creation of the Maurice Malone Scholarship Program. The Maurice Malone scholarship will be created to give qualified individuals access to innovative career education programs in denim design and fashion.I started out as a teenager making clothes in my mom's basement, so I know what it’s like to want to pursue your passion more than anything. The Yellowbrick programs are designed to help those seeking, get to the next level. Especially because you’ll be getting a credential from top universities like Parsons School of Design, New York University, and the Fashion Institute of Technology.As a young designer, I learned everything by asking questions others in the business along with painfully bumping my head along the way. This is sure to be a beautiful thing for young people wishing to learn more about how to get started in streetwear. From starting a brand, or landing a dream job at your favorite organizations, the nuggets of information to be learned from the lineup of accomplished streetwear personalities are priceless.James Whitner, one of my favorite young entrepreneurs and founder of The Whitaker Group, which owns A Ma Maniere, Prosper, Social Status, and APB, says "A lot of people in our industry believe that to make you smarter makes them dumber. There weren't many people in our world that looked like me who were willing to help me. So if somebody is willing to give you game that comes from an authentic space, take it." Others in the program include Heron Preston and Jeff Staple, Don C of Just Don, Michael Cherman of Chinatown Market, Nick Diamond of Diamond Supply Co., Leah McSweeney of Married to the Mob, Rob Cristofaro of Alife, Shanel Campbell of Shanel, Parsons' faculty Keanan Duffty, and the queen of urban street April Walker of Walker Wear. The online courses cost $1,000 and are open to everyone. It enables you to learn at your own pace, on your own time from anywhere with internet connection. Beginning December 17, with the ins & outs of designing, five modules that cover multiple aspects of the industry will be released on the third Tuesday of each month until April 2020.For more information or to sign-up, Click Here!