The 2000s: The decade of major changes

In the 2000s, the landscape of fashion was reshaped by Maurice Malone, whose name became synonymous with innovation and forward-thinking design. As the decade began, Malone took the bold step to discontinue his highly successful Mojeans urban streetwear line at its peak to focus his creative energy on the Maurice Malone designer collection. His foresight and commitment to this collection were met with acclaim as it graced the runways of New York Fashion Week and gained entry into elite department stores and luxury boutiques globally.

The designer collection's success, however, was not without its challenges. A handshake agreement with a key financial backer unraveled, leaving Malone to navigate the complexities of the fashion industry independently.

In a separate venture, a Chinese factory, recognizing Malone's expertise and impact on the urban streetwear market, approached him with an offer to revive the Mojeans brand. From late 2004 to 2006, this partnership saw Malone developing new denim washing techniques that would leave an indelible mark on the industry. Despite the initial success of this collaboration, differences over marketing investments led to Malone's decision to step away from the partnership.

After departing from the Mojeans revival, Malone continued to leverage his design prowess as a freelancer before assuming the role of design director at Parigi Group. His tenure there was cut short when the company succumbed to an economic recession. Moving forward, Malone's expertise was soon recognized by Vigoss, where he was tasked with leading and expanding the men's division. His tenure at Vigoss was marked by innovative brand development until another project, "Ten Stories," was halted due to the absence of a formal agreement.

Confronting these industry obstacles, Maurice Malone established Williamsburg Garment Company, Inc. With plans to launch "Fat Mattresses & Golden Underwear," a luxury menswear line, Malone found himself reflecting on the financial demands of such a venture. Inspired by a colleague's suggestion and his insights, he questioned the path he was pursuing. Why not, he thought, apply the advice he often dispensed to aspiring designers—"start small, doing only what you can handle financially without help from others, and grow from there."

Closing the decade, Malone decided to return to what he knew best: denim. His aim was not just to create another denim brand but to build one that could stand shoulder to shoulder with major players, all while being a one-man operation. It was a testament to his skills and a challenge he was determined to meet head-on, proving that true talent could thrive independently in the competitive world of fashion.