Sunday, June 12, 2011

Alfred Julius: Levi Strauss & Co. II

   This is the Levi’s inspired, Alfred Julius Spring Denim Bowtie. Made from recycled denim, brass rivet and brass shank neck closure. The personality truly shows in this piece. Why say anything, when the bowtie can do the talking? A true standout at any occasion. Hope you enjoy.


Hope the day brings you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer



Alfred Julius: Levi Strauss & Co.

      During late night brainstorm sessions, I think about what I want this company to represent and where I would like it to eventually lead to. Ideally, Alfred Julius, will evolve into a “Lifestyle Brand” and not a fad that passes with the time.
     I am influenced and encouraged by brands, like my previous “Collaboration” effort, Tiffany’s. These brands represent a level of creative integrity, as well long lasting quality. My latest ideal collaboration would be with the brand, Levi’s. I know putting this design out there is risky, but I’m going to roll with it.                    
      Regardless of collaboration or not, I will be releasing a denim bowtie for each upcoming season. The following will be the F/W ’11 effort , with raw selvedge denim and brass rivet, I feel its a true standout from the rest. Hope you feel the same. If anyone has Levi’s contact info, feel free to pass it this way!


Hope the day brings you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Alfred Julius: Aloe Blacc (update)

    I mentioned a couple weeks ago, Aloe Blacc is currently one of my favorite artist in music. Well this past evening I had the honor of finally seeing him live! I was not disappointed. He truly put on a great show of his album “Good Things” with a couple surprises. It was him and his band... a very, very TIGHT BAND!

    With that said, I was also on a mission. I brought with me a custom piece I made specifically for him.... In “Blacc Leather” of course. He was very humble and appreciative man. It was a short chat, but the energy was positive. No pics, wanted to keep it professional in our initial encounter. I have attached some snaps from the night as well the piece I presented him with.


May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

 Apparently Aloe Blacc already got the Bow-Tie Memo

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Alfred Julius: Business Cards

    Finally getting new business cards for the Alfred Julius brand. Business cards are very, very important to have in my line of business. You don’t have to have the most amazing, expensive cards in the whole wiiiiddddeee world to be effective. Just simply something to pass along for easy contact info for any potential buyers, partners, or  collaborators.  Its the “old-fashion” was to exchange contacts. Although, a business card exchange isn’t always a necessary tool to have in some encounters. Sometimes the direct exchange, from phone to mouth is the most efficient way to meet people. So feel out the mood and take your best shot.... Good LUCK!


May the day bring you joy,

Chike’ Atu, founder and head designer



Alfred Julius: Advice

    There are many lessons I have learned over the past 5 years in the pursuit of my dream in Menswear. One lesson that I learned over time, that came to fruition on Wednesday, is.... If you aren’t in the process of making money, Answer your phone when it rings! Period. Very simple rule.
     Wednesday, my only weekday off from work, I was adventuring into Soho on route for inspiration and to visit the new Cole Haan Flagship Shoe store, I received a phone call from a family friend in a frantic situation. She needed bowties and quick! Thankfully, she thought of me for this problem she was faced with. She had a shoot with HIGHLY reguarded photographer, Marc Baptiste.... yes, the MARC BAPTISTE!  and needed bowties for the shoot in an hour. I ripped and a ran to gather bowties for showing. The next thing I know I’m adjusting bowties on a Marc Baptiste set, while he shot Alfred Julius originals.
    So a word of advice from one beginner to another. Answer the phone and be ready to deliver at any given moment, the time is always, NOW O’clock.


May the day bring you joy,

Chike’ Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Tiffany & co.

      I have always been inspired all things luxury through out my life. What defined what “Luxury” actually was has changed over the years. From environment, education, and experience, my taste has changed. One company that remained true to me over basically a lifetime is the brand, Tiffany & co. I have attached an open letter to Tiffany’s Creative Directors, John Truex and Richard Lambertson.  I sent with hope that they would receive it one day. (The email I sent bounced back like a basketball)




~ Mr. Truex and Mr. Lambertson,
    
     My name is Chike’ Atu, founder and designer of Alfred Julius, a men’s accessories line specializing in traditional bow ties made of luxury and unique fabrications such as leathers, fine wools, woven silks, velvets and classic silk fabrications.
 
     While working on designs and brainstorming, I decided a dream collaboration for my company would be with a brand that isn't a Men's Clothing company. This led me to Tiffany's, a brand that has space to possibly expand their accessories reach in the Men's design field. With that in mind, I created a sample bow tie. It is a perforated lambskin leather bow tie in the classic Tiffany's blue. The distinctive shape and snap closure that will be associated with original Alfred Julius pieces is part of the design. I have attached an inspiration design page with a close up of the completed sample.
    
     Any and all feedback is welcomed and requested. If this is something you might be interested in discussing further, I can be reached via email at chikeatu@gmail.com or phone call ___________.


May the day bring you joy,


Chike Atu, ceo and head designer ~