FL: Why are most of these “urban” brands not black owned?

Money, it takes a lot of money to start a clothing company, as well as the trade not being familiar to our culture. Many of today’s owners have family that grew up in this business, who own factories over seas or family members and friends who own factories. So it’s an easy transition into the trade itself.

FL: Where do you see yourself amongst the top powerhouses such as Phat Farm, Ecko, Rocawear, Akdamiks and Sean John?

Well, we are creating our own name and I strongly believe that in a few years we can easily be compared to these brands.

FL: How do you remain competitive?

We remain competitive by staying true to who our core customer is and serving her.

FL: What forms of advertising do you rely on to get the name out?

[We rely on] magazines such as XXL [and] radio personalities. We find curvy radio personalities in major cities and use them to help build the brand name.

FL: That is pretty clever. Do you also do a lot of fashion shows or trade shows etc. and how often?

Yes, we do a lot of local fashion shows and just about all of the major trade shows [on a monthly basis], mostly depending on the time of year.

FL: What has been the most successful for you?

MAGIC [in Las Vegas].

FL: Would you ever consider doing Fashion Week? Why or why not?

Yes [we would do Fashion Week]. We have not had a chance to participate in one yet but we understand that it good for networking and getting the name out.

FL: What do you think are the biggest trends right now?

Jeans, jeans, and more jeans! Premium denim and more premium denim!

FL: Are there any trends that you are sick of?

No, not really it all depends on how the designer has interpreted that trend, some do it well, others not so well.

FL: Your collection can be purchased where and what is the price range?

You can buy the line at Macy’s department stores in nine metro Atlanta locations, as well as seven New York locations (New York available 5/15/06). We also sell to over 400 specialty stores and boutiques throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean. Check out our website for more exact locations: www.pzijeans.com

FL: Do you have any plans to branch out into a men’s collection?

NO, not right now.

FL: What is next for your collection?

Chameleon Spring 2006 is out right now. The next collection is PZI Lyrics

FL: Do you have any suggestions for up and coming designers or any other comments?

Know that it’s a hard, long road ahead of you. Keep God in everything you do and you will prevail. [Additionally], we would like to thank all of the stores that have been buying the line since day one, and we always extend the offer for someone to find a better fitting pair of jeans for the woman with curves: “we dare you!”