With a Caribbean mother and an African-American father, owner and founder of Urban Couture, Sean Anderson takes Jamati Entourage’s ‘Seun Johnson on the journey of how his dream to create a platform for world-class fashion labels was achieved. Also included in this interview is a goodie package for all Jamati Online readers, courtesy of Urban Couture.
Jamati: Can you give us brief lines about your family and educational
background?
UC: I was born in England. I have pretty much been interested in business and fashion all of my life. I can remember starting my own car wash business at the age of 12 and making a bit if cash. although all of that went on sweets, lol. Since then I have done various projects including, selling trainers, selling usb’s and even web and business consultancy, during my time in
school, college, university.
Jamati: How did the idea of bringing great Indie fashion labels together begin?
UC: This was something that I had thought about for several years. Being a person interested in wearing fashion but not able to create it I always used to envy those who could make items that expressed themselves and how they felt. It would amaze me how some of these designers that I grew up following such as Patrick Kevin, Trapstar etc were under the radar, when they were clearly some of the best urban labels in the UK. 3 years later, I went for it. I called up all the talented designers we knew and asked if they thought that independent fashion needed a home away from the shadow and noise of the mainstream labels that we’ve seen each and everyday. The most received part about UC is that it allows customers to not only find t-shirts and hoodies for when you are out and about(urban) but cocktail dresses, and skirts for evening wear (couture). So it caters for all types under the name “Urban Couture”.
Jamati: Is there any fashion or showbiz related background you can attach
this initiative to?
UC: No
Jamati: Urban Couture has a long list of Labels whose items can be bought.Do you have any special criteria for Labels to be on this list or you is there anything similar about the labels on Urban Couture?
UC: Urban Couture is all about independence, uniqueness and style. Every brand on UC is inherently different from the next, have different fashion and cultural influences – we stay away from anything which does not match that criteria. We believe fashion is all about non-conformity.And this is why there are no high street brands stocked on UC.
Jamati: Do your services also extend outside the shores of the UK?
UC: For customers yes, regardless of where you are in the world UC will deliver. We want our message of individualism to spread as far and wide as possible. Our clients are UK based at the moment. There’s still a lot left to do on theses shores.
Jamati: So is Urban Couture only about fashion?
UC: No, Urban Couture is also a movement, its about expressing yourself and who you are through fashion. Yetty D and Coldkeyz in particular have pieces which reflect where they are from but with a modern twist.
Jamati: What are the challenges that come alongside doing all you do?
UC: Sometimes it’s good to buy an item that has a genuine story behind it. All the designers on Urban Couture are just real like me and you. The reason why they became designers is because they were tired of blending in and now wanted an item of clothing which reflected life, influences and fashion. Michaela Siobhan and Tina Lobondi design based on international fashion influences, with an emphasis on quality and making a statement with what you wear.
Jamati: What makes Sean Anderson tick?
UC: I’d say knowing that I have a challenge each and everyday. Knowing that not only are we doing something completely unique, but innovative, in the market makes me tick. Knowing that this initiative is giving talented clothing labels the chance to make their dreams a reality.
Jamati: What should we look forward to seeing on Urban Couture in the near future?
UC: More hot brands, some offline stuff (including pop-up stores and fashion shows), loads of stuff I don’t want to give too much away though but 2010 is going to be a massive year for Urban Couture.
Jamati: It’s the season of love who would you like to holla at?
UC: All the mothers, my mother, as without them none of us would exist!
Jamati: Thank you for hanging out with Jamati Online. We wish you all the best in years to come.
UC: Thank you too. Urban Couture is giving a 10% discount to all Jamati Online readers. Coupon code jamati 10.