In a time of economic strife, fashion remains very much alive in New York City. New York has always been known as a city of opportunity and success is granted to those with only the perfect combination of talent and perserverance.  One thing is for sure, making it big in the Big Apple warrants worldwide notartity.  I wanted to get the persepective of an up and coming hot new denim line I came across called Peoples Pride 4 All.

 

The passion behind this new label makes me just as excited as the design and I look to  their Spring 2009-slated debut with much anticipation.

 

London native Tanya Cooper , the President of Marketing for Peoples Pride, moved to New York to complete her degree at Columbia University. She brings a background in PR, branding, wardrobe styling and writing to the table for Peoples Pride.  She is a recent addition to the original thinktank of Carlyle Hanson, Arthur Rutledge and Olga Koren. Here is what she had to say about her involvement with developing a fashion label from scratch in New York City:

 

Heather: What should people know about Peoples Pride Denim? 

Tanya Cooper: We at Peoples Pride utilize the universal power of fashion and literature as a means of educating people about HIV/AIDS, and promoting awareness and prevention as a vehicle to empowerment. We are a mid-luxury apparel house who push the boundaries of fashion, philanthropy and social consciousness in the name of the betterment of all humankind.

What separates us from other premium denim lines is that our jeans are designed by Carlyle Hanson, a lover and student of couture. Carlyle's great attention to small details coupled with his superb pattern-making skills blend to make our apparel distinctive and unforgettable. Simply put, there is nothing in the current ultra-premium denim market which comes close to the quality and fit of our jeans.

Our patented condom pockets are a design first, proving that fashion can have a conscience, and that making the choice to utilise this device is ultimately empowering as it puts you, the wearer, in control of your own sexual health.

Heather: What made you decide you wanted to start a clothing line, how long was this a desire of yours before it became a reality?

 

Tanya Cooper: I am not a designer, but a true lover of fashion. As such, I always had dreams of owning a clothing line, but knew I would have to find a designer who shared my vision. I didn't expect this to happen until later in my life, but when I was approached by Carlyle, Olga and Arthur to be a part of this project, I knew I had to do it. Peoples Pride is everything and more than I ever dreamed of. My three passions are united in the building of this brand: fashion, literature and social change. 

Heather: Explain the progression of events that have lead you to where you are today in terms of your clothing line; did you meet someone with the same ideas? Did you shop your idea around?

 

Tanya Cooper: From the minute I learned what Peoples Pride was about, I fell in love with the idea. At the time, I was just so enthused by all Carlyle, Arthur and Olga told me about their initiative that I wanted to support and help them in any way I could because I wanted their dream to be a success; I felt the world needed a brand like Peoples Pride. I was honored when they asked me to be a part of the Peoples Pride family, but I know that regardless as to whether I had this position or not, I still would avidly support and love what the brand is building.  I am not a conventional or traditional person in the widest sense of the terms, and I have so many loves and talents which I didn't want to neglect once I joined the job force. I believe so much in what we're doing that the money that will follow is a bonus not an incentive.

 

As I said before, I would still support and help in the building of Peoples Pride in any way I could even if I weren't a part of the team. The only difference is that now I am able to commit myself fully to the project as it is now also my future, and not something I am looking upon as a spectator and fan. Although it takes a good deal of my time, this never feels like a job. What could be better than working towards a common goal with three amazing people who I am proud to call my friends as well as my business partners? A job is something people do to pay bills -nothing more, nothing less. This not a job; this is a dream - my dream, OUR dream. 

 

*Photo Credit: Peoples Pride 4 All