24: Tell me how did you get into the fashion world which lead you to start your own clothing “Luxury Tax” along with your partner Leo?

Freddy B: Well, I’ve always been into fashion and all the latest trends, not only because it represents personality and character but also because it plays a big role when it comes to the music industry. My partner Leo and I have actually been good friends since high school. He’s been in the Fashion/Clothing industry for a good 5-6 years now and has been doing well with that. I’ve been doing my thing in the music/entertainment industry for about 5-6 years. When we met to discuss a possible venture together for a new Clothing Line, everything came in place and made so much sense. So finally we got together with my other partner D (of the SouthSide Bombers), who was the missing piece to the puzzle and together, we specialize in results! I feel like we have a strong team capable of always taking it to the next level and achieving whatever goals we set.

24: What made you choose the name “Luxury Tax” and where would you say your inspiration for the line comes from?

Freddy B: Well, the name speaks for itself. “Luxury” is a lifestyle we represent! If you feel like you’re fly and you enjoy treating yourself to luxurious things than you need to have Luxury Tax on, straight up! The name came easy, it was just simple even by definition. It also helped that a good friend out ours was Rick Ross and he had a big record with the same name that featured Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne, and Trick Daddy. The Clothing Line is not only inspired by the obvious, Hip-Hop, but also inspired by the “Luxurious Lifestyle“(Often portrayed by some of the artist I mentioned, and many artists in Hip- Hop).

24: It’s seems as though marketing plays a key role when starting a clothing line and it’s not just based on quality by itself, so tell me how did you manage to do all of the above where many have failed?


Freddy B: Well, first quality is always going to be our main focus. We take pride in making sure our product comes out looking and feeling a certain way. We use a high quality cotton and get our shirts manufactured from overseas at a warehouse in India. As far as marketing is concerned, we got the website up and running its www.LuxuryTaxInc.com as well as Myspace (www.myspace/LuxuryTaxInc.com). We’re making sure our internet/web presence is felt via social networking sites including sites such as  www.deeperthanrap.com to the more popular Hip-Hop sites like 24hourhiphop.com,etc. You can also check out our full page ad featuring Webbz in the Hip-Hop Weekly Magazine as well as the new 24HourHipHop Magazine. And like I said before, the line is a Hip-Hop inspired line. So from a marketing aspect it’s only right to use key players in the Hip-Hop industry to represent a new clothing line. Special thanks to Rick Ross, Torch, Brisco, Webbz, Hennessi, DJ Smallz, Billy Blue, Triple C’s, Benzino, and Dave Mayes just to name a few. There’s been a lot of people showing love and support from the streets even to athletes. Truly, there has been a lot of love from across the country and we appreciate that very much! I feel like what other similar companies fail to do besides the quality is our power moves! We make sure that every move we make is an effective one that insures a positive & profitable return.


24: What would you say separates “Luxury Tax” from other T-Shirt lines and will there be more stuff like Jackets, Jeans etc coming soon?


Freddy B: I feel like what separates us from other companies is the names and faces affiliated and associated with the company. It shows direct involvement and affiliation and I think the people like that. They like to see a collaborative effort.We definitely plan on expanding to sweaters, jeans, shorts, accessories, etc and of course a female line.

24: What should the readers be looking forward to from “Luxury Tax” for the new Spring/Summer line?


Freddy B: For the Spring/Summer you can expect an explosion of new T-Shirts with a variety of colors and different patterns & styles to choose from including V-necks. You can also be on the look out for the new female Line that I mentioned earlier. The female line will start off with a variety of tang-tops (“wife-beaters”) and baby T-Shirts for the beautiful ladies out there.


24: Where can the readers go to purchase “Luxury Tax“?


Freddy B: If you’re located in Miami, FL its available in a few stores in the dade/broward area. Shoe Gallery(downtown), Ocean 14(South Beach), Foot Soldiers(downtown), Simons(Carol City), Atheletes Foot (Sawgrass) with more locations to come, we plan on expanding to more stores in the South Eastern region and then go nation wide. You can also check out on our online store featured on our website at www.LuxuryTaxInc.com.

24: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a clothing line but is not sure how to go about doing it?


Freddy B: My advice to someone wanting to start a new clothing line would be to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into because it involves a lot and its not as easy as some may think it is. From the production to the marketing and sales, you have to come with a great product and an even greater strategy to market it. The bottom line is that you gotta go hard! Be apart of the fashion society, learn about your target market and execute. An last but not least, do not come unprepared because it involves money, time, dedication,      a sense of fashion, and a team behind you. Once you got that, Let’s get it!


24: When it’s all said and done what do you want people to say “Luxury Tax” brought to the fashion world?


Freddy B: When it’s all said and done I want Luxury Tax to be thought of as a very respectable brand!A brand that’s always up to date with the latest trends which should help us have a very long run in the fashion industry. I want everyone to see Luxury Tax as a direct reflection of Hip-Hop and a lifestyle.

24: Outside of fashion I know you run your record label Currency Xchange so tell what project coming soon that the readers should know about?


Freddy B: Webbz is the first artist on Currency Xchange. We’re getting ready to drop his next street album “The Underdog 2“. This is the sequel to his Justo’s “Street-album of the year” nominated effort. He currently has a new club single called “Back It Up” that is doing very well on the club scene and has a huge follow up street single called “Clean” that’s got the streets talking. For more music, videos, and upcoming shows you can check him out at www.worldwidewebbz.com & 24hourhiphop.com. We want to thank all the fans that have been showing love and support. Also shout-out to all the DJ’s that have been spinning the record!


24: Any final words for the readers?


Freddy B: Shout-out to Big Chuck and the whole Poe Boy family, Maybach Music, SouthSide Bombers, CX, and Luxury Tax team for playing the main roles in this movie! Also World Wide Webbz is on the way!


Additional Photos By: The Carter Photography