Q: Who is Duane Smith?
A: I'm a Black fashion designer, born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. I earned my bachelor's degree in fashion design from Thomas Jefferson University. My passion for fashion started young; I loved playing The Sims and open-world games on PlayStation, where I’d spend hours dressing characters. This early fascination with styling eventually inspired me to pursue fashion design as a career.
Q: How would you describe the aesthetic and key elements of your brand?
A: My brand embodies futuristic sophistication and bold sensuality, defined by structured and fitted silhouettes that empower and captivate. Clean lines, high-quality fabrics, and striking details create a balance of modern elegance and unapologetic allure. Inspired by architecture, industrial design, and elements that spark innovation, each piece reflects a high-end, future-driven aesthetic designed for those who dare to stand out.
Q: What are your favorite fashion eras?
A: My favorite eras of fashion are the 90s, 80s, and 60s. I'm inspired by the bold energy of 90s runways, but I also admire the daring spirit of 80s and 60s Space Age fashion. Those decades brought a sense of fun and timelessness to fashion. To me, timelessness means creating pieces that remain stylish and relevant across generations.
Q: What fabrics, colors, and prints do you select for your collections, and why?
A: I prefer to avoid prints, except for monograms or stripes. I love working with stretch fabrics like Ponte de Roma, jersey, and slinky, as they feel natural to sew. I'm also interested in unique textures and have been exploring more structured designs. My color palette leans towards neutrals with striking accents, primarily black, grey, and silver, which embody a modern aesthetic. I enjoy building upon these colors with additional accent shades.
Q: How do you create designs that are both sophisticated and sexy?
A: I strike a balance between sophistication and sexiness by focusing on refined silhouettes that highlight the form without being overly revealing. Clean lines, high-quality fabrics, and thoughtful tailoring bring elegance, while bold cuts and alluring details add that edge of sensuality. The result is a look that’s powerful, polished, and undeniably confident.
Q: What sets your brand apart in the fashion industry?
A: My brand stands out for its blend of sleek, modern sophistication with a touch of retrofuturistic allure. Every piece is crafted to be timeless yet striking, combining high-quality materials with distinct, edgy details that make a powerful statement.
Q: Who is your ideal customer, and what lifestyle do they lead?
A: The ideal customer for my brand is confident, stylish, and drawn to fashion that feels both sophisticated and daring. They’re likely living a dynamic, city-driven lifestyle—whether they’re at work, enjoying a night out, or attending exclusive events. They appreciate high-quality, timeless pieces with a unique edge that reflects their own individuality and modern sensibility.
Q: What do you want customers to feel when they wear your designs?
A: I hope my customers feel empowered, confident, and unforgettable when they wear my pieces. Each design is crafted to make them feel sophisticated and bold, with an edge that sets them apart, allowing them to truly own the moment and express their unique style.
Q: How do you maintain quality and attention to detail in your garments?
A: I ensure quality and attention to detail by personally handcrafting each garment from concept to final product. I meticulously design and construct every piece, focusing on longevity and durability so that each creation not only stands out but also stands the test of time.
Q: What role does sustainability play in your design philosophy?
A: Sustainability is important to my design philosophy, though I approach it realistically as a growing brand. Each piece is handmade, ensuring quality and longevity, and I incorporate deadstock and secondhand materials to upcycle when possible. While I’m not fully sustainable yet due to the costs of starting out, eventually the brand will make more conscious choices in each collection and continue evolving toward more sustainable practices as the brand grows.
Q: Where can customers find your designs and shop your latest collections?
A: Customers can shop my latest collections directly on my website and browse featured items on my social media platforms. For custom requests, I’m available via direct messaging or email to discuss personalized designs that align with the brand's aesthetic.
Q: How do you envision your brand evolving over the next few years?
A: Currently, I envision my brand expanding into menswear and introducing more versatile, timeless staples, all while maintaining that edge of modern sophistication. I’m also excited to deepen my brand’s storytelling through exclusive collections, bringing more of that retrofuturistic allure to a broader audience. Ultimately, I aim to grow while staying true to my signature aesthetic, creating pieces that resonate deeply with a loyal, style-driven clientele.