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Wardrobe clothing line makes debut
By ED RUNYAN
AUSTINTOWN
Derrick McDowell of Youngstown believes it’s time a man had a way to dress that expresses his individuality without making him look ridiculous.
If the venture happens to propel the 1998 Chaney High School graduate to a successful career as a fashion designer, all the better.
At the launch of his clothing line, Wardrobe, at Club Gossip in the Wedgewood Plaza on Friday night, McDowell explained how fashion can thrive in places such as Youngstown.
“People see this as an outlandish idea at times,” McDowell said of designing and selling original clothing from Youngstown.
But McDowell believes his combination of online sales (www.wardrobeclothing.com), marketing at events such as his launch and at the Canfield Fair will lead to success.
McDowell, 30, who has been a visual artist since his youth and studied graphic design for a short time at Youngstown State University, believes men are frustrated with the clothing options available.
He spent two years designing a line of shirts — tees, V-necks and polos — that he felt gave men what they need to be comfortable and hip.
As McDowell showed some of his designs, he explained how they exemplify “the true meaning of gentleman yet retain the comfort and cool of the street.”
McDowell has not designed the clothing itself, only the graphics that go on them.
He has his shirts screen-printed at Artists at Work in Struthers.
McDowell and his business partner, Ryan Kulik of Austintown, are planning to extend the Wardrobe line to women’s and children’s clothing and accessories.