ANTHONY LAWRENCE COLLECTION: A Fashion Forward, Socially Conscious Line

Photo Credit: Elliot Reese of Shots by Reese

The world of urban clothing is flooded with designers at this point in time. Some are original and unique – others are just expansions of what came before – yet others are exclusionary to a representative few.

The Anthony Lawrence Collection definitely falls into the category of “original and unique”. Not only are the designs unique and flavorful, but they represent ideas which with we can all identify. As its motto states, Anthony Lawrence Collection is “the epitome of every lifestyle.” It transcends race, gender, socioeconomic background, and reps all walks of life.  

We recently had the opportunity to talk with the founder of the Anthony Lawrence Collection, De’fron Fobb, and as you will gather from the interview, the company is extremely socially conscious – something The Heat Magazine values and applauds. Here’s the interview:

THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Tell us about the Anthony Lawrence Collection.

DE’FRON FOBB: Anthony Lawrence Collection is a unique and classic approach to fashion. A line of men’s and women’s graphic tees and distressed, Euro-fit and casual apparel, Anthony Lawrence Collection offers a perfect blend of everyday fashion and corporate sensibility. Through its highly graphic designs, ALC represents many different cultures and backgrounds. The designs recognize the importance of an everyday lifestyle along with conservative and liberal politics. The ALC brand represents more than fashion. It honors the basic human values that connect us all – honesty, truth, respect, and the belief that we are all royalty. Our clothes should reflect that position and that’s what Anthony Lawrence Collection brings you.

THE HEAT MAGAZINE: The t-shirts are exquisite. Tell us a little about those.

DE’FRON FOBB: The t-shirts are the back bone of the Anthony Lawrence Collection brand. While ALC is expanding to polos and other things, my t-shirts are classic, meaning you will always be able to wear an Anthony Lawrence Collection t-shirt. Each t-shirt is my vision and my concept. I am very hands on with each design of every t-shirt. I try to vision not what’s only different in the industry, but what will make a good statement no matter who, when, where, or how someone wears it. No matter if you’re a t-shirt person or not, when you wear an ALC t-shirt, it catches your eye and you want to know what it is because it makes that statement.

THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Tell us about the impact that hip hop music had on your ideas and designs?

DE’FRON FOBB: More than hip-hop has had an impact on my ideas and design. That’s why my slogan is the epitome of every lifestyle. But far as hip hop music goes, when I’m thinking of a design or a concept of a design, I try to put myself there and think about my favorite artist and the mind set they were in when they delivered their best work/classic albums. Like Biggie with “Ready to Die”, Jay-Z with “Reasonable Doubt”, Nas with “Illmatic”, EPMD with “Strictly Business”, and Kanye West with “College Dropout”, just to name a few. I try to get in their mindset when I’m brainstorming about a new design or concept. Sometimes I may even put on a few of my favorites to put me in that zone.

THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Where will we see the Anthony Lawrence Collection in 5 years, given your ideas for expansion of the brand?

DE’FRON FOBB: In 5 years, I see Anthony Lawrence Collection being mentioned with names like Ralph Lauren and so on. Also, I would like ALC to be more active in the community, as well in schools. As far as the apparel part, I think ALC will be ready to add blazers and a few accessories to the line. But I can say in this upcoming year, be on the look out for the Anthony Lawrence Collection polo shirts, cardigan sweaters, & V-necks.

Make sure to check out the Anthony Lawrence Collection website at www.anthonylawrencecollection.com. You can also follow Anthony Lawrence Collection on Twitter – @alcollection.