Mr. Anthony “T.J.” Badger
ChocolateCity.cc (CC) had the great fortunate to catch up with and chat with Mr. Anthony “T.J.” Badger (T.J.); one of Chicagoland’s young, talented and aspiring fashion designer.
Following is the interview:
CC: How did you get into fashion design?
T.J: It was coming close to the end of my senior school year and I had to choose a major to study and fashion design seemed like a way that I could mix my artistic skills with my love for clothing.
CC: Where do you go to school? What are you studying?
T.J.: I go to the International Academy of Design and Technology (Chicago) and I am a fine art major.
CC: Are you being train or apprentice with another designer?
T.J.: I’m not being trained outside of school but within school, all of our teachers have worked in the fashion field for years and offer informative incite. I would love to have a fashion mentor who would help me learn the ins and outs of the industry.
CC: What inspired you to get into fashion design?
T.J.: My mom actually inspired me to get into fashion design. She had her own boutique and told me to design some garments for the shop and it eventually turned into my pastime.
CC: Describe your philosophy about the art of fashion.
T.J.: To me, there is no set in stone philosophy for fashion as a whole that is why I am so intrigued by it. Whatever makes one feel great can be passed as fashion or a fashion statement. My philosophy is to be you no matter how people will accept it. I have had to learn that the hard way. Trying to please everyone is a lot harder than just pleasing you.
CC: What skills do you need to be a fashion designer?
T.J.: The two major skills one must obtain when trying to be a fashion designer is Creativity and Dedication.
CC: What inspire your design?
T.J.: Right now I’m going through a street phase. I’m so obsessed with punk and different hardcore street cultures. I currently describe my style as street-chic; influences of the classic silhouettes of fashion mixed with a street flare…
CC: If you could do anything else, what would it be?
T.J.: If I could do anything else, it would definitely be dance. I love to dance and I actually have my own dance team that showcase at different venues. Another fun fact about me is that I auditioned for “so you think you can dance” and was featured on TV!
CC: What advice do you have for young Black or African-American male who wants to be a fashion designer?
T.J.: If you’re an aspiring black male designer, you really have to have balls. People can be so critical of us and can say many hurtful things but you have to know who you are, what you stand for and whom you’re catering to. Through all of the ridicule that I went through, (and still go through) it has helped to build character and helped me discover who I truly am. Like they say, “A Diamond is made through pressure.”
CC: Mr. Badger, it was truly an honor to talk with you and good luck in your endeavors.
T.J.: Thanks
Mr. Badger can be reached at badger_anthony{at}yahoo{dot}com
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