Chelsea Grays, Fashion Designer
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do?
I am a fashion designer from Cleveland Ohio focusing on menswear and unisex pieces. Deemed a political designer, each collection is accompanied by campaigns that raise awareness of social issues. Previously collections were centered around police brutality, homelessness, colorism, voting, and waste (upcycling), etc. I began by earning a Bachelors's degree in Psychology from North Carolina Central University which assists with understanding the world around me and translating that into conceptual apparel and textiles. After, I attended the Academy of Art University, San Francisco, where I earned an MFA following an extended study at La Chambre de Syndical Haute Couture, Paris.
Prior to launching the brand, I interned at Vera Wang studying and sewing bridal gowns. I merged these delicate skills and used them in my 2018 Collection Vanguard. I created a new sector of fashion "protest wear" and those skills lead me to be named as a finalist for the CFDA 2018 Geoffrey Beene Design Masters Scholar Award. In 2019 I launch the brand previewing my collection at the CFDA FFGS19 and debuted on the runway for NYFW under AAU. Following NYFW I moved to Paris with an AAU presidential scholarship to study at the School Of Chambre Syndicale De La Couture Parisienne and IFM. While in Paris I interned for the Yves Salomon Pieces Collection André Walker. Before leaving Paris in February 2021 I was head designer at SMHR Paris, release my F/W 2020 with MBFW Russia and FW 2021 collections with IMG + NYFW.
My collections have been recognized by notable magazines and worn by music artists and actors. Also known for making my garments for donated and scrap fabrics with mix and match prints and patterns, along with handcrafted elements, screen printing, and felting for texture and to compliment my bold aesthetic.
The collection for 2021 is on the way and we are wondering how it’s all going over in Paris?
The Newest collection is under development! Facing different trails I was able to step away from Paris for a bit and get a new perspective. Quarantine in Paris is hard but the world of fashion, at least for emerging designers hasn't stopped. We still have our feet to the ground taking advantage of the time. Being around the energy of goal-driven designers who are enthusiastic and despite the pandemic are pushing! This feeling is unattached and one that was presented to me in Paris. Outside of the quarantine, it is liberating to be around the energy of Paris, the passion the drive, and dream makers.
How does America appear from the outside world being an American in a different country?
From the outside looking in America is falling apart. Constant turmoil and of course the media portrayal is negative but accurate when discussing events that took place. There is a slue of protest, political issues, natural disasters. American is going through a rebirth. Even when speaking with my family everything is falling apart. Learn information second-hand, opposed to having these lived experiences make me a bit anxious. Without being in America I have to consider what impact can I make to effect change although I haven't lived some of those experiences and from an outsider perspective.
Being in a different country I realized America's influence. A lot of people speak English, walking into french restaurants whether a 5-star restaurant or getting street food they are playing American music, the clothes the younger generations, and even the news are all affected and influence by America. So to see America being italicized by Parisians while being portrayed on the media as crashing was astounding.
Your fashion designs and artwork have carried political statements throughout previous collections. Seeing the events unfold last year in America, how did that affect you and the progression of your new collection for 2021?
My collection that I will release in 2021 will be for the 2022 season. My previous collection was recognizing different issues that plagued 2020 by using historic influences. Being filled with emotions served as motivation and gave me the energy to express myself. That fueled my campaign and I had to say something. Fashion is my true expression. Now that 2021 has arrived, with its challenges but has arrived the focus will be uplifting, still address the issue but with a different approach and a positive narrative. My grandmother was affected by the disaster that happened in Texas and because I’m in the middle of two worlds there will be influence from Paris that may be appreciated but not relative to America. The progression will show the world around us but also my progression as a designer, sometime I have a shift in perspective.
What would you say was the hardest struggle for you during this pandemic as a designer/artist living in another country?
The biggest struggle I faced was acclimating to the culture without speaking fluent French and not having much social interaction to build the skill. It was hard to get adjusted, even though I was never trying to merge to the culture but I wanted to take it in and learn. The designer styles and approach is not that of an American style so I had to become more skillful with the talent and my art. How do I create something where someone can relate and understand without me having to say one word because chances are that there may be social disconnect and a language barrier so how do I overcome that with my representation of ideas. That was a huge challenge.
I gain inspiration from things I see on the streets. I’m an earth child so I’m often outside getting inspired, whether, by graffiti, people watching, or looking at nature. Being in a different country confined to a house I wasn’t able to use anyone as a sounding board because I didn’t know anyone and I wasn’t able to get my mind flowing by being outside. I had to find other ways to express myself so I started painting and became a bit more technical than preferred.
On a lighter note, have you discovered any new pursuits in your downtime?
Downtime, I don’t have much downtime and when I do I have I try to decompress get as much rest as possible and land somewhere in nature find tranquility to prepare for the next exciting challenge. I like being creative, I have freedom in creativity. So I'm thinking through my next idea or maybe painting.