With the release of their new Spring & Summer Collection, African American Designers Terry Lake, Brian Mattiison and Darryl Anderson are looking to top last year's phenomenal success. In only three short years, the Status Symbol line has tripled in sales volume, resulting in rave reviews nationwide. In an industry not usually known for African American male designers of female fashions, this trio is hoping to change the mindset of the fashion world.
"It's my belief that everything you wear makes a statement," said Terry Lake, Founder and Style Director of Status Symbol. "Fashion is essential in expressing how you feel, and who you are to the world. I want to introduce contemporary brazen styles for women that have been lacking in traditional department stores."
About Status Symbol
The initial line which consisted of peasant tops, French cuffed dresses, 70's styled ponchos and a wide variety of knits, secured an overwhelming 300 new sales accounts. As the demand for the line increased, Terry Lake gained the confidence he needed to take the line to the next level. He partnered with Darryl Anderson formerly of Chicago, Illinois and Brian Mattison a native of Detroit, Michigan both of whom have over 17 years of experience in sales, marketing and retail. From this partnership the Status Symbol Apparel Group was formed, creating a formidable and unique team of African American men whose serving notice to the rest of the high fashion world that the game is about to be taken to new heights.
Spring & Summer 2006
This season's collection consists of chic, confident and fashion-savvy designs, which represents Status Symbol's ideal woman. The collection combines trendy new pieces with modernized classics to create a look that is highly fashionable and approachable. With attitude that is bold, edgy, sexy, and simply hot, the Status Symbol Woman will always remain in the forefront of the fashion world.
The spring line features ready to wear looks that cross function with plenty of high fashion. Key elements include inventive knits that infuse a feeling of function and practicality to luxurious wardrobe staples that include wide leg trousers, cotton shirts, halter tops, linen sets and, knitwear in a wide range of proportions, lengths, shapes and, silhouettes.
Economic Data
The Status Symbol Collection growth since their inception has been overwhelming. The initial line which was launched in the third quarter of 2004, grossed over $ 166,500.00
- In 2005 sales increased by a total of 200% ($510,000)
- Projected sales for 2006 – 1,000,000.00
- The Status Symbol Collection is presently in over 30 States in the Country.
- The Status Symbol Collection can also be purchased outside the United States in Puerto Rico, Canada, Europe, and the Bahamas.
Terry Lake, Founder, Style Director
Terry believes fashion is essential in expressing how you feel and who "You" are to the world; you could say that Terry has fashion in his blood.
Terry, who has been a retail owner for the last 13 years in his home State of Michigan, grew up inspired by his grandfather's style of suits, shoes and hats.
With much success in the retail industry, terry turned his attention to another passion: designing clothes. Armed with a strong vision, Terry convinced his wife Sharon to assist him in starting a clothing line. In June of 2004, Terry's vision came to fruition as Status Symbol was born, which for the fashion guru was a life-long dream.
Terry's motto is "Everything you wear makes a statement". With over 20 years of experience in the fashion designing, modeling and retail industries, Terry knows what the modern-thinking woman wants; easygoing styles that suits her individual needs.
Darryl Anderson
When this Native of the Windy City blew into Mi Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) chigan, he didn't know all what to expect or what was to come. He grew accustomed to the freezing temps, which reminded him of home in Chicago, and as years passed, he would soon learn what was destined on his path. After working for his family-owned newspaper for 15 years and becoming the editor following the passing of his father; Darryl began to pursue his many talents to include concert promotions, modeling, sales, marketing, and an array of management positions which inspired him to create a business of his own that both he and his family could benefit from.
With a keen eye for fashion, a people oriented personality, a smile that he could sell for a quick million and a wife with a passion for fashion; Darryl would find his place within the fashion industry after opening his first store, Instep Shoe Source. A dream come true for Darryl and his wife Nicole allowed them to meet new people and network with a group of entrepreneurs from the Detroit, Saginaw and Ohio areas. This new found relationship grew and opened doors to new opportunities that essentially formed new aspirations within the fashion industry. This group referred to as "the family" worked together, traveling to various apparel shows, maintaining a constant support system to Darryl and his wife.
After 4 successful years in business selling women's shoes and apparel; the relationship of mentor/mentee between Terry Lake, Darryl and his wife grew into a much larger vision.
With Terry's years of experience as a successful entrepreneur under his belt, it wasn't a difficult decision for Darryl to partner in the success of Status Symbol.
Brian Mattison
Fashion Designer Brian Mattison a native of Michigan has always
been fashion minded. From designing his own wardrobe for local talent and high school fashion shows to outfitting the " Ravens" a bike club from his youth that he help found, Brian refused to ignore his passion for designing and creating.
After graduating from The University of Maryland with a degree in Business Management and a short stint in the United States Army, he pursued and obtained successful sales career in commercial health insurance. Although the path has been winding, his journeys eventually led back to his original passion, fashion.
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