速 Highlights of Press Urban FLRT 2013
Urban FLRT Media Kit ® Freely Living Real & True What follows are highlights of press for Urban FLRT and Corey Wesley. We’ve included: • • • •
BLEEP Magazine The Harlem Times Harlem World Edge - New York City
a little History
About Urban FLRT
In June of 2007, Corey Wesley founded BlackOutEndeavors LLC to bring creative concepts to reality. Based in Harlem, New York the company’s mission is to take an abstract idea or concept and create, develop, and launch quality clothing brands that consumers will come to trust and enjoy. The name BlackOutEndeavors embodies who Corey is; he’s African-American (Black), he’s a gay entrepreneur, (out), and he’s endeavoring to succeed.
Urban FLRT is an ultra-hip apparel brand created by BlackOutEndeavors LLC. The brand is based on those things that motivate Corey Wesley, creative director, the most including pop culture, urban living, music, being social, and flirting.
Since BlackOutEndeavors has been in business, it has successfully developed and launched two clothing brands, Flirtatious-T and it’s current brand Urban FLRT.
UrbanLand Media UrbanLand Media is the company’s attempt to bring the urban experience to a broader audience via a e-zine/blog format. It is a premier space for gaining a positive, healthy, and uplifting perspective on living in an urban environment like New York City. Contributors from the East and West Coasts, Canada, and Europe cover topics on pop culture, fashion, sex and dating, entertainment, and urban living, the very things that would make someone a well rounded urbanite.
Urban FLRT is also a state of mind; an attitude that embodies drive, passion and success. Urban FLRTs have a creative mind, determination and drive to create their own path in life. Go-getter, Fashionista, Entrepreneur, Mogul and Jet-setter are some of the words we believe best describe an Urban FLRT. We are Freely Living Real and True.
Leadership Team Corey Wesley Washington, Creative Director John S. Myers, Operations Manager
Contact BlackOutEndeavors LLC / Urban FLRT P.O. Box 642 New York, NY 10037 (347) 201-1263 | info@urbanflrt.com facebook.com/UrbanFLRTnyc twitter.com/urban_flrt
Additional Press ® Trunk Show Press, 2013 On March 23, 2013, Philadelphia’s Showroom77 presented a Designers Spotlight hosted by Young, Hip, & Chic along with Sincerely Syreeta. Attended by numerous fashion bloggers and stylists from the Philly area, we’ve received many write-ups. Here are some of the great things that everyone had to share:
• Sincerely Syreeta – SS on the Scene [Hosting]: YHC’s “Fashion Designer Spotlight” x Urban FLRT • The Sasha Marina Show – Urban FLRT Partners with Young, Hip & Chic = interview with Corey Wesley • Simplistic Truth - Young Hip Chic, Urban FLRT, and Philly Fashion: Urban FLRT’s Trunk Party • Embacy Entertainment - Urban FLRT Fashion Industry & Launch Event • Fashion Goes There - Young, Hip & Chic Presents Urban FLRT’s Trunk Show • Secret SatisFASHION - Highlights from the Event • YoAfrikaa - Highlights from the Event • StyledOutLoud - Sty’ED: Corey Wesley + Urban FLRT • Curvy Urbane - Young, Hip & Chic Presents Urban FLRT Trunk Show • Examiner.com - Young, Hip & Chic Presents Urban FLRT Trunk Show at Showroom77
BLEEP Magazine June 2013
Creating the New ‘Urban’ Experience | | The Harlem TimesThe...
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The Harlem Times March 2013
Giorgio Armani once said, “I’ve always thought of the T-shirt as the Alpha and Omega of the fashion alphabet.” Harlem has become in recent years the alpha and omega of New York City and that is why Corey Wesley decided to make Harlem his home base for his residence as well as his apparel company, BlackOutEndeavors LLC. When you think of Harlem of course you think of the Apollo, 125th Street, and a diverse neighborhood in one of the most dynamic cities of the world. In recent years Harlem has become more than just a tourist destination. It has become the headquarters for many small businesses, like BlackOutEndeavors whose current brand, Urban FLRT, is a brand that is made for New York. It is gritty, yet refined, and it’s clothing embodies the Big Apple. A few more words that best describe Corey Wesley, Creative Director of this latest brand, are: Creative. Go-Getter. Stylish. Innovative. Determined. Inspiring. Survivor. “As a child I grew up in the ‘city that never sleeps;’ a city where dreams are made and there’s nothing you can’t do. I was surrounded by culture, fashion, and the electric energy of a city which added dimension to who I am as a designer,” says Wesley. Drawing inspiration from the city, Wesley and BlackOutEndeavors are striving to move in a positive direction along with the rebirth of Harlem. There has been significant growth thanks to recent development and a strong desire from people to live in Harlem. Changing fashion is a part of that growth and development. With this rebirth there are new inspirations for fashion and that are helping to create the new urban experience. Wesley believes in the notion that fashion is more than just articles of clothing put together. He would say that fashion is an art form; an art
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The Urban FLRT brand offers provocative, ultra hip, made to order t-shirts that are dynamic, playful, and vibrant. BlackOutEndeavors has also created UrbanLand Media, a website devoted to promoting a positive, healthy, and uplifting perspective on living in an urban environment like New York City. These endeavors are helping to establish a multi-dimensional view of the term ‘urban.’ “When I think of ‘urban’ I think of the hustle and bustle of the city; diversity; exploring new neighborhoods; taking advantage of all the activities that are at my finger tips; and working hard to succeed in whatever I choose to do,” says Wesley. Always entrepreneurial, Wesley is passionate about bringing street couture back to NYC with a modern twist. Word on the street is that Urban FLRT is the reason Harlem is the new fashion plate in New York City and one of the promoters of the new urban experience. Share the news!
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Kass Fashion: Speaks To Harlem’s Urban FLRT, CEO Corey Wesley Posted on February 27, 2013 by Harlem World Magazine | Leave a comment
Rhythm and Blues, Urban FLRT Fashion week left us excited about what to expect in fall fashions 2013! Rounding out one of the most fashionable months in New York City we are spotlighting designer Corey Wesley, CEO and Creative Director of the Harlem-based brand Urban FLRT. Urban FLRT is an innovative sociallyconscious lifestyle brand that offers innovative fashions. Urban FLRT is the first t-shirt brand to make use of the new dye process dye sublimation. The dye sublimation process allows Urban FLRT to create some of the most visually appealing and artistic t-shirts in the marketplace. I caught up with Corey in his Harlem office this past week to discuss what’s new with Urban FLRT designs and what we could expect from the ever-expanding lifestyle brand. Corey Wesley, CEO / Creative Director Urban FLRT, Harlem, New York
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Harlem World February 27, 2013 Kass: Hi Corey! How are you? Corey Wesley: Good Morning, Kass! I’m well! Kass: Corey kindly share with our readers who aren’t familiar with Urban FLRT what exactly is Urban FLRT? Corey Wesley: Urban FLRT is a socially conscious brand that represents art and culture. Over time urban has become a negative connotation, we at Urban FLRT look to change that through the provision of expressive designs often referred to “wearable art”. Urban represents urban fashion and a lifestyle that is rewarding and timeless. FLRT represents freely living real and truth. I believe in everything we do here at Urban FLRT. Our followers are urbanites. Urban FLRT looks to celebrate the eclectic mecca of Harlem offering fashions representative of the art and the culture of Harlem on another level. Kass: Tell me what inspires Urban FLRT? Corey Wesley: Urban FLRT is inspired by so many things. It’s inspired by the environment (Harlem, NY), the subway, pulse of the city. I grew up on the Lower East Side and naturally embraced the influences of the music and cultures of the city. Kass: New York absolutely offers an eclectic set of cultural influences. Speaking of which, what inspired this season’s collection? Corey Wesley: The new collection is inspired by music, Obama’s re -election, R& B, Michael Jackson and Christina Aguilera. Kass: Tell us a little about your background. How did Urban FLRT get its start? Corey Wesley: I am a former corporate trainer who along with countless others lost my job due to the recession. As my time as a corporate trainer afforded me an amazing background and keen business sense, I spent some time thinking of what I wanted to do next. I love to create something out of nothing. After countless hours of research and self-teaching – Urban FLRT was born.
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House Music, Urban FLRT Kass: What was one of your first design inspirations?
Harlem World February 27, 2013
Corey Wesley: I was watching the view (shortly after Whoopi Goldberg joined) and I was in a dark place. For some reason Whoopi being on the view got me out of the bed. Whoopi is amazing. She is smart, talented, funny and passionate about her beliefs. As a result my design “guardian angel” was born and Whoopi later wore the shirt on a segment of The View. Kass: Of all of the classifications of apparel you could’ve designed, why T-shirts? Corey Wesley: Well actually, the brand is scheduled as a full-fledged line, however based on the economy it wasn’t the time for a full collection. So, I started with my favorite piece of apparel: The T-shirt. Kass: Tell me about the Urban FLRT team. Corey Wesley: Our team consists of John Meyers, Operations Manager and a small team of designers and associates. Kass: Urban FLRT has been in the making for six years. What do you attribute your longevity in the fashion arena? Corey Wesley: I find designers who make it – have to be able to switch roles. Once you’ve honed the creative, then you can focus on the business. Business has to play a role in being a successful designer. Kass: That is so true! I think more up and coming designers need to hear such sound advice! Without understanding the business of fashion you just have an idea. The business of fashion will afford the manufacturing, marketing, and merchandising of that ideation into a saleable product. Kass: What can we expect from Urban FLRT? Follow
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Harlem World February 27, 2013
Corey Wesley: Creativity and a diversified product platform. We are planning to launch our new brand Crown Jewel, an undergarment line making full use of visual imagery. We also want our loyal and fringe customer base to participate in the development of future collections. Kass: If there is one last thing you could leave readers about in reference to Urban FLRT what would it be? Corey Wesley: You have to be willing to tune out the world to pay attention to detail. And more importantly, it is my belief you can lose something, but once you made something out of nothing it is reflective of your ability to be anyone and anything you want to be. Kass: Corey thank you for sharing more about Urban FLRT with our readers. I wish you the best in all you do! Corey Wesley: Thank you, Kass and Harlem World for taking out the time to speak with us!
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Cassettes, Urban FLRT You can find additional information on the UrbanFLRT lifestyle brand by visiting: www.urbanflrt.com Until we meet again, remember Fashion is what YOU make it! Photo credit to Debora Clark Fairfax. Related articles Toyota Urban Cruiser Concept Photos: 2006 Geneva Motor Show (motortrend.com) About these ads
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"You say you’re a sweetheart, but do you have a sweet heart?" Corey Wesley received this piece of love advice from his mother and it stuck. The personal mantra has also become symbolic of the six-year transformation of his Harlem-based T-shirt company. What started in 2007 as Flirtatious T, an independent business of colorful T-shirts with sexy and attention grabbing printed sayings, has in the past year evolved into Urban FLRT, a more sophisticated, fashion forward line of tees with dye sublimated graphics culled from his other great passions: music, art and the city. Wesley wanted his line to draw more from the vast cultural loves of his life versus Flirtatious T’s more aggressive approach as well as refresh the definition of "urban" to steer away from past negative connotations. Urban FLRT, which stands for both "Freely Living Real & True" and "Fashion & Lifestyle that is Rewarding & Timeless," is now soulful and sweet in both style and statement - each design an eye-catching signature piece.
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Born and raised on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Wesley confesses relocating to Harlem in 2007 increased his pool of influences. "There’s such a culture here. It’s now a destination," says Wesley. He should know. The designer/entrepreneur is part of the new fabric of Harlem and has been referred to as, "’The New Face of Urban," a "Modern Day Urbanite" and the "Urban FLRT who understands pop culture."
Urban FLRT (Source:Debora Clark Fairfax)
Many of his favorite graphics used in Urban FLRT represent the culture of Harlem from Afros to oversized headphones and also include other New York City landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s a cultural stew of influences with heavy leanings towards retro symbols he grew up with (cassette tapes, boom boxes, etc.) that he now interjects into the modern pop culture vocabulary.
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Inspiration strikes Urban FLRT beyond the streets, though, with some of the best sources coming from conversations in public spaces. "Just a word I’ll hear someone say will make me visualize a T-shirt design," says Wesley. The African Queen T-shirt sprung from a lively discussion when a friend was riffing about an African queen. Wesley felt roused to put into a single image all the cultural ways an African queen is reflected and referenced. And just like that, a style was born. Other noteworthy designs include "The Voice," which draws direct influence from the NBC singing show and more specifically from past judge Christina Aguilera. The graphic displays her grand diva
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"Rhythm and Blues" is another chanteuse- inspired design, this time with an R&B torch singer comprised of symbols that come together in her image. The catalyst for this design was Tamar Braxton, whom Wesley admits he’d love to be the next celeb to wear FLRT. Whoopi Goldberg, Kendra Wilkinson and Bree Scullark have already been spotted in his designs. Wesley has also poured his heart into Urban FLRT’s construction process. Once his initial sketch is crafted, a sample is produced in the US using a distinct dye sublimation process. "The dye is embedded in the fabric so the graphic goes all the way through the cotton," says Wesley. "It’s a process that results in richer colors that won’t fade." This is also why tees are only available in white and crewneck. Each piece is personally inspected and when it finally meets his approval, the samples are presented to buyers or used for e-commerce. The samples are just samples, though. There is no inventory laying around. In fact, each shirt is made to order - astonishing with an approachable price point under $40.
Follow EDGE A Growing Business Model Urban FLRT’s T-shirt line is just one aspect of Wesley’s creative endeavors and his larger business model, BlackOutEndeavors, which embodies his identification as an African American, a gay entrepreneur and his strong business sense. With that in mind the brand also has a lifestyle blog, UrbanLand Media, which posts about "pop culture, fashion, sex and dating - the very things that would make someone a well-rounded urbanite," says Wesley. BlackOutEndeavors also gives back to the community with a portion of profits from Urban FLRT donated to AIDS and LGBT oriented charities.
Urban FLRT (Source:Debora Clark Fairfax)
The past year was one of growth for Urban FLRT, including Better Business Bureau accreditation and participation in the annual Harlem Art Walking Tour, where Wesley was able to connect more deeply with customers and other local artists and entrepreneurs.
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The momentum is increasing as wholesale accounts will catapult the availability of Urban FLRT in boutiques nationwide as well as participation in a collaborative trunk show in Philadelphia on Mar. 23. Wesley also hopes to expand beyond T-shirts, setting his sites on underwear design. It seems as if being a sweetheart is paying off personally and professionally for Corey Wesley. Good thing he listened to momma.
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Related Topics: Corey Wesley | fashion designers | fashion trends | men’s fashion | Mac Smith
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Comments Anonymous, 2013-02-25 17:08:42
I have to say these shirts are amazing! I have never seen a line with such quality. I have to follow this line.
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