Fashion

The Man, The Brand

by Krystal Carr Sancho

THE DOCTRINE OF DESIGN was stitched into the heart seams of fashion designer, Clavon Leonard, from a young age. Growing up, he watched his father don sharp suits and slick hats as he prepared to step out on faith in the church and out on the town. “My father was a very well-dressed man,” says Leonard. “I acquired my sense of style from him as I wore my first suit at 3 years old and sported my first hat at the age of 5.” It was during interactive times with family that Clavon Leonard realized his creative niche. Trendy trousers and swank shirts were the central theme of birthday and holiday gift exchanges amongst family and friends. Leonard’s extraordinary love of fashion moved him in ways that were inherently unique. “I love to see how fashion transforms people and gives them a sense of pride in their appearance,” he expressed.

Earning a Masters Degree in Human Resources and Labor Relations, as an instructor at Rutgers University, Leonard tried his hand at mundane affairs of day-to- day life, only to discover that normalcy was his kryptonite. After the abrupt and crushing end of a significant love affair, he was launched forward by being pushed backward into the cradling arms of his first love, fashion. From there he began the anticipated journey from Rutgers to the Runway. “For my shame, I was given praise and fame,” he says. “All of the pain was worth the rebirth experience of Clavon Leonard.”

During this transition time, it had become painfully evident that men’s fashion was waning and becoming more effeminate. “I had to come on the scene”, says Leonard, “I felt the need to produce a collection of ensembles that brought back comfortability and style to the daring man”. Leonard aimed to resurrect the sporty iconic visage of the classic Alpha Male with the release of his cutting edge menswear suits. The initial launch of his designer line went off without a hitch. However, adversity presented when he was advised to conceal his identity for the interest of consumer sales promotion. “Nobody will believe a black man could be the face of luxury”, they said. Nonetheless, Leonard did not allow this cretinous statement to cause him to recluse. Instead he was emboldened and replied confidently, “I am luxury and I refuse to veil my identity to pacify an imprudent populace.” Consequently, the buyers conformed and patronized the luxurious designer brand, that is, Clavon Leonard.

Since Clavon Leonard, “the man- the brand”, has fitly joined together the black man and luxury, the fashion industry as we know it will never be the same again.

Most noted for his designer suits, luxury garments, and high-end leather accessories, Leonard’s designs offer a variety of mix and match styles that appeal to the “fashion conscious consumer”. He continues to expand and perfect his craft with the use of vibrant colors and exotic fabrics in his newly released women’s suits and track suit designs . Although extremely brilliant and immensely creative, Leonard is far removed from conceit. He is a devoted mentor to his “Incubation” design group in Africa and maintains close relationship with his family as the love that he has for them is the heart and soul of his brand… These are the “ties” that bind cultural and moral experiences, woven ever so delicately into the fabric of love.

I’m willing to try my hand at everything to be challenged and to grow.”