BY Led Black (@Led_Black)
Q. Why is the name of the company Nicholas Velez?
A. Nicholas Velez was started by a mutual vision shared by two young designers by the name of Albert Abreu, 25 and Felix Cepeda, 23. The two designers always shared a dream and idea but it never came into fruition until the loss of a best friend and family member. Nicholas Velez was the cousin of Albert Abreu and the best friend of Felix Cepeda. Nicholas passed away in a motorcycle accident about two years ago. This tragic event pushed the young designers to pursue their long time dream and name the clothing line after Nicholas to keep his memory alive. Without any formal fashion background the two young designers went forward creating an edgy line with futuristic attention grabbing designs.
Q. How would you describe your outerwear line?
A. The outerwear line is very unique. The designers try to incorporate as much art and inspiration as possible into each garment. If you see each garment from a distance you might think the line is just a regular dark/gothic collection but the real magic takes place when you notice the detail that goes into the lining of each piece. The designers want to tell a story with the detail that goes into creating each garment.
Q. How did Washington Heights shape your sense of style?
A. One of the designers, Rico, was raised in the Washington Heights area so he takes a lot from the neighborhood, the culture, the styles and the different personalities. But one thing the designers are set out to do is revamping the fashion style not only in the Heights but any place the line reaches. The fashion culture, especially in the Heights, is beginning to change, people are taking more risks and letting their style of dress be an expression of their imagination. And that is essentially the purpose of Nicholas Velez and the type of people the line is made for.
Q. Where does the love of fashion come for the designers?
A. The love of fashion for the two designers comes from opposite poles but shares the same purpose. For Felix Cepeda, his love of fashion comes from his father. He taught him that the real meaning of fashion is that there is no limit to what your imagination can do. For Rico, he’s always had a passion for styling, putting outfits together that most people wouldn’t dare to try. But, they both share a passion for art, Greek sculptures, for being unique, for sharing a story through their clothing that no one else is capable of doing.
Q. What’s next for Nicholas Velez?
A. The next step for the brand is to keep expanding. We are currently involved with a few stylists that will hopefully take the brand to the next level. In the meantime, the designers are working on a new collection that should be ready for this year’s Fall fashion week. The line is sponsoring fashion shows such as WHIN 3 and styling artist like Audobon and Kid Glory, because if it is one thing the designers truly believe in is that greatness cannot be accomplished alone.
Q. Any final thoughts?
A. Look out for new and exciting things from Nicholas Velez this year. Follow and support the movement on twitter, facebook and IG all at @nicholasvelez.
Site: http://nicholasvelez.tumblr.com/
FB: http://facebook.com/Nicholas.Velez
Twitter: @NicholasVelez
IG: @NicholasVelez
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