Jaylen Brown Namesake Article
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How do you make the time and energy for creative pursuits, when you have such a demanding and intense career?
Team building. I have a great team both on and off the court that helps me navigate both worlds at the most optimal level. Also, maximizing your hours of the day is very important. With the right intentionality and preciseness, you can achieve a lot within 24hrs.
Do you remember when fashion first felt like a real thing to you? What's the oldest image that comes to mind?
Growing up in Atlanta, fashion has always been a prominent pillar in the city. Jordans, FILAS, girbaud jeans, jewelry, and polos were not only fashion pieces, but statement pieces kids would wear to achieve a level of applauded style and social status both in the schools and in the neighborhoods. Coordination of colors, brands, and accessories were always meticulous; however, the world of fashion, for me and for many others, elevated during the attendance/witnessing of the late-great Virgil Abloh’s debut LV show during PFW 2018.
What was the process behind collaborating with Namesake and creating a collection (?) together?
Namesake is a brand that stands on similar pillars that my 7uice brand stands on: community, creativity, and energy. So, both prior and during, the collaboration process with Namesake was always explorative and symbiotic. From the beginning, we wanted to be sure to blend our worlds, interests, and stories together in every piece while having fun with textiles, silhouettes, and colors. But, we were certain of one thing: we did not want to create a collection, we wanted to create a moment.
In general, how do you define a successful look versus an unsuccessful look?
It is very easy to define a successful look vs an unsuccessful look. And, most times, the wearer already knows and is the judge of such. But, my four keys for a successful look are: look and feel comfortable, keep your garments clean, wear/walk in confidence, and pay attention to tailoring to your body type.
Are you thoughtful about keeping your athletic and creative identities separate? Or do they intersect and if so, how?
I’m a firm believer that creativity is not separated in anything we do in life. You can only raise or lower your level of creativity within certain tasks, thoughts, and positions— even in the mundane. It’s all awareness and intent. Imagination, decisive thought, action in the physical, then execution are the steps of creativity, to me.
How much does the resourcefulness of your physical practice play into other parts of your life?
Infinitely. Faith, Consistency, and Hard Work Pays Off is my mantra and way of life that I have lived by since my youth and I apply that same mentality and effort throughout all my endeavors.
What are some of your dreams and desires for the next year, both personally and in relationship to your creative work?
Learn more. Grow more. Apply more. Execute more. Help more. Win more. Elevation and health will always be one of my major goals in all aspects of life for me and for those around me. And, I intend to achieve that, perpetually.
