With Memphis Fashion Week soon approaching, fashion-merchandising majors Aharon Thomas and Nick Hall are collaborating to present Thomas' men's clothing line, Jobe88.
"I always knew that I would get my opportunity to make beautiful clothing because it was already in me," said Thomas, creator of Jobe88.
Thomas became interested in fashion at a young age with inspiration from family members.
"It runs through my blood. My family is filled with creators in fashion, music, art, etc. I did not find out along the way; I knew before I knew myself and how powerful I was as a designer," Thomas said.
Thomas includes many aspects of her personal style in Jobe88.
"Me being a woman who designs men's clothing, it is easy for me to turn my detail to the highest notch," Thomas said. "In my personal style, it is the smallest detail that makes a huge difference, so it also shows up in designs I choose for Jobe88."
Thomas develops new ideas and designs daily, with inspiration coming from many areas.
"I come up with designs every minute. Sometimes my brain cannot stand it, but it is a gift I have been given. I see things in my dreams and immediately wake up and write it out. My wheels turn a lot when I see colors, which you will see for Memphis Fashion week."
Thomas created Jobe88 as a clothing line that includes all types of men's fashion.
"It is simple. We design for men of all colors and heights that enjoy having an original eclectic style. We are not picky about what group we design for, which is why the brand does not have a tagline. It is not street luxury; it is not a signature collection or anything else. I believe that when you put a label on it, you automatically cut out the consumer who might be interested," Thomas said.
Thomas met Hall during class last year and decided to collaborate with him for Memphis Fashion Week.
"Nick was curious, asked about what I was up to in fashion. He was amazed to see a woman who studies and designs men's clothing. He also thought it was cool that I could also digitally design on Photoshop and sew well," Thomas said. "Around that time advertisements were up for Memphis Fashion Week and Nick asked could we do it together."
Hall also gained interest in fashion early on.
"I have always had a great appreciation for all art forms. Throughout my childhood, I often came up with unique approaches whenever I was assigned a project or assignment," Hall said. "Once I became an early teen, I would go shopping and I realized that I could come up with better ideas than what I usually saw. From that point on, I started sketching. My love for creating garments developed, and I realized that I was destined to be a designer."
Jobe88 will showcase its designs at Memphis Fashion Week, which will be April 5-6.
"Memphis Fashion Week is really excited to have menswear designers. It's exciting that they are in school practicing their craft. I think their line is so fresh and it will be exciting for the guys in Memphis to have something new and out of the box," said Abby Phillips, director of Memphis Fashion Weekend.
Thomas and Hall suggest to those wanting to get involved with the Memphis fashion scene to focus on networking and doing the proper research to sustain in the design world.
"Make sure people respect you as a designer and not push you into any corners," Thomas said. "You are a designer; you are not a seamstress. Take yourself seriously and network like you never have before."
