Fashionably Famous with David Washington

How have the Arts impacted your life?
The arts have impacted my life tremendously. Being in the fashion industry, I’m always thinking of new and creative ways to take my brand to the next level. Art plays a major part in my creative process.

Tell us about your company and merchandise.
Famous Apparel is a unisex sportswear line. I specialize in graphic tees, sweatshirts, hoodies and more so recently sweatsuits for men and women.

What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
I’ve always been into clothes. Getting dressed was always more than a task for me, it was a moment for me to express how I wanted to be seen. I got voted best dressed in high school and thank God I did, because I was always late to school because I was looking for something to wear.
I didn’t intend on being in the fashion industry at all. I went to school for television /radio production and it’s still very much a passion of mine. 

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I started distressing rock-band  graphic tees for myself, with no intent to sell. However every time I would wear one, people would constantly ask who made my shirt or where could they buy one from, so I decided to start my own distressed t shirt line. I did that for 2 years and then it was time for me to take it to the next level, that’s where Famous Apparel came from. 

How do you market your apparel?
Social media and word of mouth has been major in the success of my brand.

What has your experience been like as an entrepreneur?
Being an entrepreneur for me has its ups and downs. I’m still employed however the hours I work don’t interfere with me running my clothing line.
There’s some months when it’s really good and money is constantly coming in. Then there’s some months where no ones shopping at all.
You have to be passionate about it. The passion helps me to keep going, even when things are moving slow.

Where would you like to see your clothes sold and why?
I would love to see my apparel in Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus in the long run. Those are two of my favorite stores when I want to treat myself; so I would love for people to love my apparel that much to consider it a “treat” or a “big deal” when they purchase it.

What's your next big venture?
My next big venture is to continue being creative and; to keep doing things with my brand that stand apart from others who walk the same path as myself.