Jones': First of all, I would like to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule and doing this interview with me.
Casey: No problem, it's my pleasure. I appreciate the opportunity.
Jones': So, give me a little information or background about yourself because I see that you are young.
Casey: Well I'm from St.Louis MO, and just recently graduated from Howard University. Me and my associates have had our business established since around 2004, the year we first met at Howard University.
Jones': So what is CENTSLESS CLOTHING and how did it come about and what made you start young own line?
Casey: Centsless represents "Inocents Lost" or the forgotten reality of pure potential, pure love, and pure equality that is found in new born infants. The "miricle" of birth happens everyday, yet full grown infants [or adults] forget sometimes that they were once long ago that same miricle coming forth into this world, and that the same potential lies within us for as long as we live. It is a representation of origin, and creation itself, and our message helps to translate the various "centsless" ways in which these ideals of creation are expressed to the world. We have a character named Havek Osten who wears a straight jacket, and a mask covering his identity. He is our "mascot for a message" and helps to express what centsless is and what we represent; because its also important to know that we don't represent a "brand", but that we represent a "state of consciousness". and we started a line because we wanted a medium to convey a message, and since people don't really pay much attention to the meaning behind the things they wear we thought this would be a great opportunity to try and change that reality, the way that some new designers with true passion for their messages are doing; and set examples for those designers out there that aren't and don't.
Jones': How was the response to your first release?
Casey: The response was great, we had a lot of celebrity support at our release at Howard University's Yardfest 08' where we sponsored the event, and sold shirts from a booth on the yard. Bun-B, Ryan Leslie, Wale, A.J. from 106 & Park, plus hundreds of other students, D.C. residents, and alumni were all in support and leaving with garments.
Jones': Being on a campus like Howard University thats noted for being one of the most fashionable HBCUs out there how difficult was it to find something that would appeal to such fashion-forward people?
Casey: The fact that we aren't hands on with the manufacturing at this point makes it pretty easy to appeal to an audience since we get our garments from American Apparel, but the confidence in the designs we choose obviously attracted people from all age groups demographics, and thats what we intended to do.
Jones': So what can we expect from CENTSLESS CLOTHING in the future?
Casey: Honestly, expect new and better things, name changes, marketing changes, medium changes, everything. Centsless is only the second beginning you see. We were once the Haveknots Clothing Co, but had to change the name due to some un-fair legal issues we couldn't afford to fight at the time. but regardless we changed the name and continued. This is somewhat of an urban metro-punk line, and we are honestly just using this to build capitol for our cut and sew ideas that require a much bigger bank roll then that of a few post graduates with loans to pay back. Regardless it will all be contributed to other various projects you'll be seeing from Havek and the Wingmen in the future. So in other words you will see Centsless transcend, and evolve over and over again.
Jones': How can people purchase your clothes(i.e. website, availability at stores, etc.)
Casey: Clothes can be found on Fridays at Howard University in the Blackburn center during Black Market Place, across the street from the school of Business at Show-off boutique, and will be in more stores soon, in St. Louis, D.C., Ohio, New Jersey, and New York for now, and all available retail information will be posted on our blog, dimesandnicks.blogspot.com along with links to the online store. We will also have ordering available on the Myspace page.
Jones': Well, I appreciate your time and I wish nothing but great things for you and your line in the future. Do you have any shoutouts?
Casey: And Thank you. I just want to be sure and give thanks to Howard for showing us love for the past 4 years and continuing to support me when it matters most. My boy Lucky Seven, and the How Hood crew, Prestige Marketing,
singersroom.com, Omega Psi Phi Alpha Chapter, and everyone that supported us at Howard University's Homecoming!
Jones': How can I get a shirt or something lol?
Casey: And I'm sure we can hook you up with a shirt or something, just be sure and keep in touch.
Jones': Well once again, I really appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule and doing this interview with me. You are really appreciated.
Casey: No problem, thanks for listening.
Jones': The pleasures all mine.
