Work Hard and Live Well are strong words to live by and with a team of strong players, Gilyard Mfg. is taking the industry by storm.

Hitting the market in 2005, Gilyard Mfg. is the hottest new brand in the market by far.  Gilyard has taken control of the image of urban consumer and has fed them something real and sustainable.  The founders of Gilyard, Dontay Wilder and Jemik Adams, have forged together a team of veterans in the game of design, marketing, and brand consultation to make the presence of Gilyard Mfg. felt throughout the globe.  Even their brand’s name has strong roots, Gilyard is Dontay’s family name. It’s a very strong southern rooted name that was given to his family during the days of slavery. Note: for design reasons, an" L" was dropped from the spelling.

When we say this brand is spearheaded by veteran designers and key industry players, we are not kidding. Take a look at the roster: Dontay Wilder President/ Creative Director background: Akademiks Vibe, Triple Five Soul, Mecca USA, Jemik Adams / President Sales Director background: Rocawear, Phat Farm, Varsity, Allan Torralba / Design Director background: Ecko, Azzure, Converse, Akademiks, PNB Nation, Tiffany Ellzy / Marketing & Communications Director background: Pelle Pelle, Perry Ellis America, Converse, Akademiks, along with and brand consultants Dennis Calvero/ Brand Consultant/Designer background:  Ecko, Landscape and Omar Quiambao / Brand Consultant/Advertising background:  Alphanumeric, 4 squared, Zoo York, Akademiks. All of the above came together and were determined to dismantle the cookie-cutter approach to creating and marketing brands for the “streetwear” consumer.

The Gilyard mantra focuses on style, detail, comfort, design and substance.Think about the individuality and fashion forward resurgence of New York’s classic street battles and motorcycle gangs of the 70’s.  They have pushed into the market with progressive ideals to create a brand that not only gives the young male style and comfort, but it also allows him to value good quality products at a competitive price. 

For the Fall 2006 Gilyard will be perfect for Back to College!  Denim in heavy resin baked denim, screen printed graphics; denim embroidered track jackets that work back to coordinating jeans, and ornate repeat patterns on fleece and thermals. Gilyard will incorporate colors like: black/lilac, teal/white with the addition of an outdoorsy touch of black, sand and khaki. Refreshing colors like gold, heather gray, and deep reds are the core colors in the line.

As new line Gilyard brings its own special attributes into the urban marketplace. How does Gilyard feel about the customer and the term Urban? - - here’s what Tiffany had to say,
“We understand that there is room for us all to eat. The more successful each brand becomes the stronger the urban retail space and urban business will become on a whole.

"Urban" is such a broad term, and can be argued across the board, across industries, etc. In the apparel business, "Urban" has become a label or category in which the industry can function.

Yes, it does pigeonhole our business by terminology; however, I believe the shopper dictates the doors the brands can be found in. Retailers follow their shoppers lead and will carry the brands they are confident they can sell. "Street-wear," "Young Men’s, Urban," it’s all dictated by the customer base.”

Continuing to bring awareness to their brand, Gilyard has created a partnership throughout 2006 with Radio One and has been presenting sponsor of the station’s Dirty Awards, Springfest and the Russ Parr Back to School tour, which takes Gilyard into 45 Radio One markets. In addition, Gilyard has product placement opportunities with Pepsi’s national DJ campaign “Speakerbox” and have become the stylists and artists choice line.

What's next for GILYARD MFG?  “We’re a new brand, we’re taking big baby steps, we’re working out the kinks and we’re-discovering what our strengths and weaknesses are.

We are excited about the response we’ve had so far and we look forward to becoming a strong competitor in the urban space. We are looking forward to launching women’s at retail Spring 2007. We’ll be showing our first line at August Magic.

Words of advice from Tiffany Ellzy:
“Of course, Work hard, Live Well!”

Currently, Gilyard can be purchased at trendsetting urban retailers and larger specialty chains like DTLR, Man Alive and Dr. Jays.
Retail from $25.00- $125.00 per piece.

For more information please visit:
.www.gilyardmfg.com