Andrew Nowell: Inspired By Athletic, Tall and Hard To Fit Men
Interviewed by Kenyatta D. Pious

Athletic, tall clients often have difficulty finding the perfect cuts and fit.  Enter Andrew Nowell (who is also athletic and tall) to the rescue.  Andrew drew inspiration from “Saville Row, vintage Tuxedo’s, Tom of Finland and Goth rockers” in order to create his latest stylish collection, which he admits is for “anyone who’s willing to be edgy and dangerous.”

We chatted with Andrew briefly about his collection and the state of the industry.

Fashion Ledge: Besides the obvious athletic, tall void that your brand fills, what is different about this brand? 
Andrew: My brand of clothing and design is edgier than most.  I mix styles and influences that normally wouldn’t gel, to create something sophisticated and sexy for a man of athletic proportions.  If you’re into looking good and feeling sexy, there aren’t a lot of choices for you at the local big and tall, and most department stores and boutiques don’t have a big and tall section.  That’s the niche I fill, by providing quality tailored clothing…with an edge, for the hard to fit.

Fashion Ledge: What drove you to start this brand? 
Andrew: I created the brand a couple of years ago.  I’m a big guy from working out and I had difficulty finding clothes that were fashionable and made a statement for someone of my height and build.  I started out making a couple of things for myself, others noticed and now I have a small clientele of people in the entertainment and sports industry I create clothing for. I’ve discovered there’s a market for tailored, modern and edgy brand of clothing for the athletic, tall and hard to fit.

Fashion Ledge: Say something about the current fashion industry.
Andrew: I’m bothered by the whole “I’m a celebrity, so I think I’ll design clothing” thing.  That really makes it difficult for the truly talented independent designers to make a mark in the industry right now.  We are sidelined by fashion conglomerates, and entertainment personalities looking to expand their egos and empires by slapping their name on a pair of jeans or t-shirt.  Retailers will take a chance on a celebrity with no training in fashion design whatsoever, rather than supporting trained designers with a point of view and real love for what they’re doing simply because [the celebrity] managed to make a name for [his or herself] in another industry.

Fashion Ledge: How do you market the brand?  Can we expect to see celebrities wearing the brand? 
Andrew: Right now I’m presenting the collection at trunks shows in a couple of upscale boutiques along the east coast.  I have a website, www.andrewnowell.com and rely on word of mouth to further increase brand awareness, but I’ve designed for Brendan Kelly, Jamie Foxx, Vin Diesel, Tampa Bay LB, Ryan Nece and Dr. Dre.

Fashion Ledge: What trends do you expect will be big next season?
Andrew: Color and sheer sweaters and shirts will be big next Spring.  I’m also sensing a big return of the military look and camouflage.

Fashion Ledge: Do you think you have a competitor?
Andrew: I don’t think there is anyone doing exactly what I’m doing right now and that's creating sexy, modern and exciting clothing for taller, athletic hard to fit men.  I’m not looking to mass produce for big department stores and I’m fine with designing custom tailored sportswear for my existing clientele and smaller independent boutiques.

Fashion Ledge: Since your brand is relatively new, what words of advice or wisdom do you have for someone trying to break into your profession?
Andrew: Fashion is a tough business.  Do your homework, read the trade papers and attend to tradeshows to get a better perspective of the industry.  TV reality shows don't give you the full picture.  Be persistent and no label becomes an overnight sensation in 12 hours…it normally takes three to five years for that.

Andrew Nowell is available by special order, through the website and at select upscale boutiques like Shaka King Menswear, Signature for Men, and NIDO.