Rome Flynn | Style Issue 2019

JEROME LAMAAR IS THE STYLE MONK, THE
TREND WHISPERER, THE YOUNG FASHION GURU,
AND A QUINTESSENTIAL GENTLEMAN THAT WE
SALUTE FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE FASHION
INDUSTRY. CHECK OUT WHAT HE HAD TO SHARE WITH US
What nuances from your everyday life
inspire you to create?
I think my understanding of the streets and how it instantly
inspires and translates into money for big brands is what I
pull from. I try to make sure people from the hood get paid
for their personal sense of style by companies that want to
try to take and not give back. This empowers others to build
their own brands and make their own moves.
What are the dynamics of the Black
designers and Black celebrities
relationship?
Well, I think most designers of color are finally being given
the opportunity to show them all what they really can do.
This is the black wave of design, as we are the macro culture
and deserve to be given every single platform to shine.
That being said, we need all celebrities in general to support
young designers of color not only black ones.
Why aren’t there enough Black celebs
wearing Black designers?
They are trying. It’s just not enough stylist pulling them for
fittings… period.
What constitutes a good quality design/product?
I believe a garment should be able to be worn inside out.
As an apprentice in Couture, I discovered that the inside is
something more important than the outside, for it’s actually
touching one’s skin.
In the world of social media and fast
fashions, how do you ensure that your
product is reaching the masses?
I don’t design anymore. I left design in 2018. I never designed
for the I designed for the art of it, which was needed
to shift the conversation in fashion. I’m now the guy everyone
calls to fix their brands, and I prefer this route so I can
help more people find their own creative narrative. Fashion
is fleeting; I’m more into dynamic longevity in products.
We hear that a lot of mainstream fashion
houses take designs and make
them their own, have you ever been
a victim of plagiarism, and what role
does integrity play in your company’s
vision?
Yes, this is one of the reasons why I stopped designing (in
that way). I went in to see clients and saw my designs on
their mood boards. Which is why I called them out and said
you should have me creative direct. They did.
Describe your design aesthetic, POV
and your intended consumers.
I am a fusion of spirituality, sex appeal, smart streetwear
and sleekness. I think with all of the above you can float into
many industries, which is why I am called The Style Monk.
I can adapt and elevate anything that is put in front of me
because I understand my foundation.
As a designer of color, what has been
your glass ceiling thus far and how did
you break it?
Well the main thing is that I look younger than I actually
am, so when brands meet with me they don’t think I understand.
However, I have been in this game since age 15. I’m
34 years old and worked directly with brands without having
to scream and shout about it. There wasn’t social media
then, so my work ethics and talent spoke for me. No need
for stunting. The glass ceiling shattered when I was 17 when
I told a brand that they will never understand the youth because
they have a bunch of old people running things. They
listened...and I never looked back.
What can we expect to see from your
brand within the upcoming months?
My world is moving more into being a costume designer for
shows, videos and movies these days.
What’s most important to you as a
designer–affordability, quality or
creativity?
Creativity! I say this because, with creativity at front, the affordability
and quality can be applied later. There is nothing
I hate more than seeing a lack of creativity. I think it’s lazy to
copy and not use the magic of our God–given imagination
to contribute to newness in this world. It all starts with a
vision... creative has never let me down.
FALL 2019 / 9