-John Fairchild
Some things are just meant to be. Whether it's in the way that we carry ourselves or the interests we gravitate toward, we oftentimes without realizing fall into purpose and make our impact felt. One such person making quite the impact and shaking up the fashion world in a phenomenal way is our next WBM Feature, Danye Starr.
Ever since he was young, Dayne was always seen by others as someone who would lead a very successful life. His natural knack for creativity lead Dayne to develop this star like quality about him. So in recognition of his gift of creativity, Dayne in turn became aware that the gift best received is the one best shared with others.
In development of what he wanted to share most with the world, Dayne makes his impact felt through the gift of fashion, giving others their own sense of personalized style and the opportunity to be stars from through his clothing, and most recently designer eyewear.
With some time share with us, Dayne talks about stardom and how we too can become stars.
Who is Dayne Starr?
DS: I am 20 years old and a college student.
Where are you from?
DS: I am from Raleigh, North Carolina.
What can you most attribute your high sense of fashion to?
DS: I don't look at what is in style. I love simplistic and timeless fashion. Black on black. The whole L.A. Cholo "look" is something I recently got into. I love their their stereotypical uniform of bandanas, wifebeaters, flannels, dickies, and converse with knee-high white socks. I try to think about what the most hood, street guy would wear and if he can't wear my glasses and find them interesting, I don't make it. But on the flip side, I've also recently gotten into mixing feminine and masculine. Tights and cut off jean shorts. Chambray shirts and the tightest skinny jeans. I have a growing obsession with leather as well.
What would you consider your style of clothing?
DS: I cater to both sexes. But it is always easier for a woman to wear mens clothes and be accepted than a man to wear womens clothes. That's why I design with the most street guys in mind. Because if it reaches them, it can reach anyone. So despite the fact that my aesthetic may be a little weird at times, I try to keep in mind that a lot of the people who want to wear ALL$TARR APPAREL would not do the things that I do. I have support from people who are my sister's age and younger and it's funny because there's a girl who is very supportive of me and she always writes me on Facebook. She told me she was 12. I never would have expected that.
What do you like most about being a fashion designer?
DS: I like the fact that anytime I get inspiration, I can sketch it - and later that week, it will be made. Most people are creative, they just don't have the patience to sit and see things through. I am committed to this. This is a childhood dream to have people know my name. For people to know that despite where you come from, you can be high-fashion. Noone wants to claim Raleigh, North Carolina. Well I'm claiming it. I like the fact that I'm the one who people look to for style advice and ask me to create looks for their parties, etc.
How long have you been involved in fashion?
DS: I've been really creating fashion since I was 16. In high-school I was quiet unless I was around my own group of friends. I guess you could say I'm just now really coming out of my shell. But senior year, I modeled in my school's fashion show and took up a bunch of apparel design courses. We learned all different types of stitches and made everything from a beanie baby to a backpack. Also the previous summer my friends and I took on "RETRO." I wore bandanas backwards around my neck, gold rope chains, throwback tee shirts, 3 different belts in different colors all at the same time! I got a lot of attention positive and negative. But that was the year that I discovered that I could be influential if I took on fashion as a career. I had a pair of shades that I popped the lenses out of because that was before I had bought my first pair of "NERD" glasses. I made lense-less glasses out of necessity and everyone at school started to do it once I wore it.
How did you develop All Star Apparel?
DS: ALL$TARR APPAREL was created one day last year when I first decided I wanted my own label. Dayne $tarr has always been my name. When I was younger my dad would say it all as one "Daynestarr" because I was always putting on a show, writing a play, or designing something. I was really thinking about alliterations that would go well on T-shirts, then later came ALL$TARR APPAREL. I came up with the phrase "It doesn't matter where you come from, we are ALL -$TARRS," and I really believe that. Right now, I'm mainly working on eyewear. I also design customs for anyone who hits me up. I want to encourage individuality.
What inspires and motivates you?
DS: I want to have longevity in this business and the fact that I was so inexperienced made me want to learn more. I always put in my E-mails to stylists that I am "100% eager and willing." You can't be lazy. You have to look at B.E.T. and all the up and coming stars. If you don't see your work on them, that should push you to get yourself more exposure. Any way you know how. Parties, etc. It's all about marketing, marketing, marketing.
What type of impact would you like to make with All Star Apparel?
DS: I want to continue networking with celebrity stylists and getting them to pull my work. Recently I released logo tee shirts. I stay in contact with a lot of rock bands. And I will definetely be making more creative designs, SO STAY TUNED!
Any anyone you like to work with in the future?
DS: Definetely. Any and everyone! I don't discriminate. I would really like to work with Nicki Minaj because she's dope. She's not afraid to take risks and I know she wears a lot of new designers. Stylists like Mr. Bradshaw and Valissa Yoe because I love the looks they create on their clients. They're also people willing to let new talent shine. I would like to get my work in more fashion shoots because that's where the real exposure comes from. Years from now, pictures will still remain of your work in a magazine or on the internet. That's what's so good about using Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks to get a business started.
What do you do outside of fashion design?
DS: I am a full-time student. I'm majoring in English because I love to write. I would love to some day write a fashion column on top of designing. I think it's important to be aware and intelligent. Not just someone who can make clothes. I'm not one dimensional.
What are your plans for 2010?
DS: I would like to make it to fashion week in NYC. I've never been! I'll be in school, but hopefully I can set my schedule to see a few shows and network, attend a couple of parties.
Any advice for those looking to pursue their fashion aspirations?
DS: Tune out ALL negativity! And I mean ALL of it! My twitter is a place of business, peace, and love! You never see me talking trash anywhere online. That's not a good look. I'm here to promote and there are gonna be people who doubt you but it's all voided when people support your work.
For More On Dayne Star:
http://www.twitter.com/allstarrapparel
http://www.myspace.com/allstarrapparel
http://allstarrapparel.bigcartel.com/
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