CALVON
LEONARD
NYSFE 2017 Designer Spotlightext
When I was thirteen , I dreamed of seeing people walk down the runway in my clothing . I did not fully understand the dream then , but I did see the affinity for clothing and being well dressed grow as I watched my father . Appearance was important and his care for style instilled in me my own passion to express myself through clothing .
However , when attending private school the uniform restricted that expression and heightened the awareness of my skin color . Those experiences pushed me to experiment with fabrics , colors and patterns so that my skin color was not the only thing standing out . Today , as a designer and stylist , my goal is to help an individual feel extraordinary , comfortable , confident and open to new possibilities .
That is what fashion did for me ; it broadened my horizons . My past inspires me to develop new , creative and innovative fashions . The individual I am helps me connect to the individuality of my clients . Now , at age 50 , I am finally living my dream – a testament that it is never too late to pursue what you love .
In two full years , business has surpassed what I imagined . I ’ ve gone from only designing men ’ s clothing to suiting for women and designing luxury , hand crafted , leather bags . My incredible staff of models , administrators , media team , brand ambassadors , bloggers and more are dedicated to giving their all to building Clavon ’ s Wear as an international brand . It is my hope to continue this success for years to come and leave a legacy my children and family will be proud of .
Designer : Clavon Designs Model : Alex Jones Photo : Luis Nuñez
18 NEW YORK SUMMER FASHION EXPLOSION MAGAZINE JUNE 2017