There’s no denying that streetwear has made its way into luxury fashion. Once reserved for the skater kids and countercultures, it is now as common to see hoodies and cool streetwear garments on the runways worldwide as it is to find them courtside at a ball game. This fashion revolution means you can choose comfort and convenience, without having to compromise on style. To show you an interesting street style game, we have rounded up with one of our favorite streetwear brand that you absolutely need to know.
numb at heart‘s goal is to put the “fun” in functional fashion.
”We know that looking stylish can make your whole day better; that’s why we’re committed to being your source for the newest trends. We design clothing you love so you can focus on looking great. In fashion, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but quality should never be a compromise. No matter what you’re looking for, we guarantee durability. We are committed to providing you styles that have quality built in and will last through the wear and tear of your day.”
https://numbatheart.com
We believe in the power of streetwear more than ever and we wanted to explore deeper this issue and its meaning through out special conversation with Karshif Adams, founder and CEO of the brand.
INTERVIEW WITH KARSHIF ADAMS, FOUNDER+ CEO OF NUMB AT HEART
Describe yourself as a designer and how did you start.
I see myself as two types of designer at the moment. Could possibly be more in the future; I believe I have a fear of being categorized or belonging to one particular group. The first type I see myself as is an expressionist. I’m very good at sending emotion out through my work for what people would consider subliminal designing. Saying what you want through garments and wearable attire. I also see myself as being very versatile. Never being afraid to be too bright, bold and colorful. The actual idea came from my cousin Lamont Leslie. Big thanks to him as there would be no NAH without him or at least at this moment. So, he’s definitely responsible for my start and I took the rest and ran with it.
How do you manage the creativity process exactly?
That is something that I haven’t figured out how to master yet. Being a person who gets inspiration from any and everything it’s kind hard. I get all sorts of creative ideas at random times and places. It is weird sometimes. I haven’t cleared my schedule and devoted any amount of time. Specifically for me to be creative that almost seems forced to me. When you force things they don’t always come to light with the right shine.
When did you land your first internship and what was the most valuable thing you learned from this experience ?
I actually didn’t have an internship. I did a week at the community college of Philadelphia. I skipped the whole college experience.
What was your first job and how did you land the position?
My first job was actually at Mc Donalds when I was 16 years old, like very normal teenager at the time.
What was the biggest rookie mistake you made when just starting out your brand?
My biggest rookie mistake was being afraid to actually start. I had the name and the idea registered before I actually made the samples. That was in 2015. I didn’t make samples or produce actual products until 2019. So I wasted a generous amount of time questioning myself and product which was a horrible mistake.
What’s the main impact of social media in streetwear industry in both ways, buying and brand marketing?
The social media impact is a driving force that can’t be stopped when it comes to sales and marketing. This day in age, it’s more profitable and marketable to have social media rather than a personal or company site. There you have the extreme ability to market and sell all in one. So, in my opinion, it’s sales growth reach and networking.
What is your favorite and non favorite part about being involved in fashion industry?
Everything is a blessing. I have tons of favorites, one being recognized for being a designer. Seeing people wearing my clothing line is a feeling I can’t yet describe – let alone seeing models wear it. That’s just breathtaking. Meeting people whom I share similar interests with is definitely another plus and all the opportunities that they present. At the moment I believe my least favorite thing are the deadlines I’m faced with. My time is getting stretched to be in more places that I can keep up with. Which is possibly typical for a designer.
How your brand makes the difference in fashion industry?
The difference we bring is that we’re here to shake up the typical things that people find fashionable. Mixing street and luxury and that not GIVE A SHIT about other opinions or what others consider fashion. We want to change or shift the culture from how people view the typical designer and streetwear brands.
What do you think is the biggest challenge for a streetwear designer?
Being relevant and staying relevant. Finding new ways to reinvent yourself and your brand is not easy. I am sure every designer struggles with that.
Define sustainable as a concept in five words?
Ethnicity – Economics – Environmental – Identity – Socialism
How do you think sustainable can play an important role in fashion industry?
I see fashion as something that brings all together and a form of expression from ones self which is the designer’s point of view. I also see fashion bridging the gap for future conversations that haven’t taken place yet about social injustice.
What do you think about the solution of selling your label on online platforms?
At this current time while we are all affected by COVID19, selling online is the perfect solution for us. We also get the opportunity to reach people whom you possibly would have never reached with just having a physical retail store. Online shopping is a big plus at the moment and amazing opportunity for NAH.
Imagine that you must write a letter to your future self. What would you write?
I would tell my future self to remain patient and focused and always expect the unexpected.
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