Funkey Flash Back Apparel: Branding the Vision

With an idea, a vision, and dedication, anyone can turn a thought into physical form. It is evident though, that every creation started with an idea and a thought. In fashion, however, original trends following the sub-standards of style usually become something quite large in scope and elementally over top market commodity. Funkey Flash Back is one such company that began with an idea and a vision, branding that vision is what made it come alive. One focused individual, who dedicated most of her time to art and design had the mindset of revolutionizing the fashion industry with corporate ideas to create a company that would put the market in absolute disarray. By basing her product on original designs from an urban retro prospective, hence the brand name ‘Funkey and Flash Back,’ she was able to invade the urban market with her own trends and ideas.

This is the exclusive interview with lead creative designer of the company Funkey Flash Back, Ms. Sher Stewart.

24: First off, how is everything with the talented Sher Stewart?

Funkey Flash Back: What’s up Zenn? All is well and very blessed with me. Keeping busy with Funkey Flash Back and eMERGE Trade Show!

24: Before we get into the line, I think the readers should know who the lady behind the famous line is, who is Sher Stewart?

FFB: I am basically just an everyday person, that has a dream that I am pursuing and taking every step possible to ensure it comes to realization.

24: Now let’s get into the history of Funkey Flash Back, what was your initial vision into the line that we see today?

FFB: Funkey Flash Back initially started out as an outerwear company. Our goal was and still is in due time to have a specialized market in high quality leather goods. This stems from the early to mid 90s when Avirex jackets were popular. Our designs represent the roots of hip hop culture because during that time we were in the peak of the best hip hop music. Therefore there was always motivation from the creativity of hip hop artists that inspired me.

24: What is your derivative behind the name Funkey Flash Back?

FFB: Well, would you believe that I did not come up with the name? Actually my father came up with the name back in 1993. During this time I was young but I knew that one day I would bring Funkey Flash Back alive as a clothing company.

24: When was the original launch date behind the line and how long have you been running it?

FFB: FFB was formed back in 2004 and we have been up and running now for 6 years. So for the past 4 years we have been selling our Funkey Flash Back designs, the initial years was more research and development of the line which is very important.

24: As the creative designer into the line, how much work did you have to put into it before the launch was actually possible?

FFB: There was quite a bit of work that went into the line before the initial launch. Many months of R&D so I could learn about good fabrics, the market and some of the great manufacturers as well. When I first started, I just had a vision, I did not know how to use computer programs such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. I learned the basics of Photoshop from a guy that helped with some early FFB Designs. I am very thankful for him. So everyday I would just sit at the computer and teach myself until I learned to do what I needed to do in order to make it work. If you would have seen my early designs you would laugh, but I did what I could and wrote as much as I could to my manufacturers, to get them to understand. Thank God I had a manufacturer that executed well and understood my vision as his was exceptional. Overall many long hours everyday because I was and still to this day very passionate about designing.

24: Now let’s get into the actual designs in the line. What was the first theme that was released with the launch of the line and what themes do you plan on working on in the future?

FFB: These were the initial outerwear designs that we did. That is why we have a slogan called “THE COLORS OF LIFE”. We do have a real theme this time which is “THE COLORS OF LIFE”. This means that colors basically bring us alive and make us feel great when we wear vibrant colors opposed to dull colors.

24: Now I know as the Creative Designer you put a lot of work into each individual design, but is there that one favorite design that you consider special?

FFB: I love all the designs, they represent something special in their own way. I do have to say that the “Sucka MC” Shirt is one of my favorites and the favorite or many of our customers as well. Also I like the “Don’t Wait Till We Famous” T-shirt, because it represents what many people on the come up and are dealing with. Most people do not want to deal with you or pay you any attention if they never heard of you, even if you have great quality clothing or a really dope song. So don’t jump on the bandwagon later once people have made it, give them a chance before hand, you don’t know what you may be missing.

24: Besides Hip-Hop and old school Hip-Hop, what other genres would you want the line to be geared towards as well?

FFB: Overall besides music, I would love for people from every walk of life to become familiar with our brand. I believe there will be a difference with the new collection.

24: Are there any future projects or events that you are planning that you want to talk about?

FFB: Yes, a very big project that we are working on at this time. We came up with this idea to start a fashion trade show for upcoming and emerging brands only. The reason being that I know the feeling of how difficult it can be to break into this industry. Many stores will not give you the time of day, but if you can meet people face to face it makes a huge difference. Therefore eMERGE Trade Show was born and the 2nd annual show will take place in Miami on October 15, 2011 at Zadok Art Gallery. I am thankful for my eMERGE partner, Raymond Sancristobal, he has been a blessing to work with on this project. So to any upcoming brands or retailers you need to be there and it is open to the public as well. Visit our website at www.emergetradeshow.com for more information. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society and Project K.I.T.E.

Aside from that, FFB is still in full effect. Our new launch is a good project because we are changing up a few things in the line so that it appeals to more and taking a more simplistic design direction, but still keeping it FUNKEY!

24: Besides the High-Def pictures that we’ve already included in this session, how do the readers go about contacting you for a catalog and where are they being sold now?

FFB: www.funkeyflashback.com and they can email us at info@funkeyflashback.com love to hear from them.

24: Thank you for providing 24hourhiphop.com with this exclusive fashion insight interview, do you have any last words for you’re present and soon to be clientele?

FFB: Thank you Zenn for giving me an opportunity to let the world know about FFB, so a big shout out to you for that. To all the young people out there, don’t give up on your dreams not matter how many times the door may be closed in your face. Just keep pressing and you will be rewarded. Hard work does pay off, sometimes it just takes a little time. Stay tuned for more FFB in the Fall. Much love to my parents (R.I.P TO MY MOTHER) for always holding me down, all the FFB customers and supporters, anyone that has rocked FFB in a video, photoshoot etc, Ray on the eMERGE project and 24hourhiphop.com. God Bless!

Here are some more designs by Funkey Flash Back:

Ladies & Gentlemen introducing the Lead Creative Designer of FFB Ms. Sher Stewart