About

SUEDE

Suede is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in the fashion industry. His comprehensive revenues exceed $5 billion at retail.

"Suede" was drawn into the fashion industry after a brief career in acting and modeling. "Suede" attended Kent State University's prestigious Fashion Design and Merchandising School where he perfected his flare for creating, marketing and designing. It was there he learned that his dramatic flare was an asset to his craft.

During college "Suede" was recognized by Bob Mackie, Mary McFadden, the International Textiles Association of America and the Air France Design Competition. Upon graduation, "Suede" completed an internship with Geoffrey Beene and Alber Elbaz working on the Geoffrey Beene couture collection. "Suede" was then approached by the Cleveland Center of Contemporary Arts to launch a full eveningwear collection, which became the featured collection shown alongside Badgley & Mishka, Heidi Weisel and Pamela Dennis.

To expand his experience beyond eveningwear, "Suede" joined All*Bilt New York (a division of Berkshire Hathaway) where he began designing for the casinos in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and showboats along the Mississippi River. This put "Suede" in touch with the all-American denim side of designing. Next "Suede" moved onto Sun Apparel. While working for Sun Apparel, "Suede" designed for top-tier brands including Polo Jeans and Todd Oldham. He later served as a design consultant for brands including Geoffrey Beene Sportswear (licensed to Van Heusen), Old Navy and Generra.

For five years "Suede" worked at Jordache Enterprises, where he launched Fubu Ladies, Jordache Vintage and Steve Madden Jeans & Sportswear. At the same time, he was designing and supervising Jordache's Wal*Mart Juniors business.

During his tenure Jordache's revenue jumped from 70 million dollars to 160 million dollars. It was at this time "Suede" started dressing well-known names such as Britney Spears, Brooke Burke, Lil' Kim, Destiny's Child, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Simpson, Christina Aguilera and Mandy Moore.

Following Jordache, "Suede" served as the Creative Director for the juniors and girls business of VF Corporation's Lee 1889 Jeans.

In 2008 "Suede" appeared as a contestant on the Emmy award winning Project Runway Season 5. He was known for his talent, style, and strong kind character. "Suede" also generated much conversation about his tendency to speak in 3rd person, as well as his signature colored faux-hawk.

"Suede" won the "Green" Challenge with guest Natalie Portman. His dress was sold on Bluefly.com, all pieces sold out in less than 1 hour. His sketches and some challenge garments also fetched the highest selling price during Bravo's open auction of the memorabilia from Season 5.

As a semi-finalist, making it to the top five, "Suede" was asked to show a collection at Bryant Park. Currently "Suede" has been approached for several fashion projects as well as some TV and Film opportunities.

In 2001, as a sign of gratitude for his success, "Suede" put a lifetime endowment in place at Kent State University. This scholarship benefits a senior design student annually.

Additionally, in 2001, he was honored as the youngest alumni of Kent State University to be the Commencement Keynote speaker. "Suede" also serves as an advisor to the Kent State University's Fashion Advisory Board. In April 09, "Suede" was inducted into Kent State University's Fashion Hall of Fame, alongside many of the best-known designers in the United States.

In late 2010 and early 2011 Suede filmed segements for various PBS shows geared towards the younger fashionista.

Most recently, Suede signed an exclusive deal with Simplicity Creative Group and currently has product available world wide.  The SUEDEsays™ brand is in over 2,500 stores in the U.S. alone - anywhere you can buy Simplicity Patterns you can pick up SUEDEsays™ patterns.  The last designer to ink a similar deal with Simplicity Creative Group was Cynthia Rowley – so Suede is in great company.

Responding to stellar sales on the SUEDEsays™ pattern line the brand was extended into UK based New Look Studio by SUEDEsays™ as well as menswear in 2011.   At the end of 2011 Suede entered into another licensing deal bringing a very exciting classification to his brand for home fashionistas world wide.  Stay tuned for details.

Look for innovative and creative product geared towards the young adult and youth market and stay tuned to see what's next for Suede.