Thursday Sep 09

Gino Green Global Interview

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE G’S

 

How does an idea escalate from a mere vision to a money-making machine almost over night, and become one of the most sought after urban apparel lines in the industry? Prince, the CEO of Gino Green Global, Tells Us How, and Shares in His Area of Expertise.

Lauren Cutler meets "The Prince."

Selected Photography Provided by: Curtis Reese Brown

 

Gino Green Global LogoWhen I met Prince, the designer of the hot urban line, Gino Green Global, I was immediately impressed by his vibrant choice of colors, and his contagious positive attitude. I asked Prince if his upbringing had anything to do with his love of fashion, and he was eager to share his story. . .

"I grew up like many New York City kids," he tells me, "I come from a broken home." This has only helped him become who he is.

Traveling back and forth from his mother’s on Long Island to his where his father lived in the Bronx, Prince observed the culture and trends that ruled the nineties. He took in all the diversity New York had to offer, and realized that no matter what social economic class, a theme was dominant, and that theme was color. He knew he had a passion for art whether he expressed it through graffiti on the walls, or in the different colors he saw on the clothes of his fellow commuters. Prince was convinced that no matter how one chose to express it, color was a major theme in all walks of life.

Prince landed his first job as a screen printer where his enthusiasm took hold and he wound up practically running the entire printing shop. With so much freedom at work, he was able to experiment with all of the many color combinations, and used the opportunity to his advantage.

It was during this time, that his vision became a reality. An opportunity arose, and he attended The MAGIC trade show in Vegas. As soon as Prince entered the festive tradeshow, he was blown away by what the world of fashion had to offer, and he was eager to found out what it entailed. And as he continued to observe his surroundings, he knew right away, that was where he belonged. Being a new-be to the fashion world, he made it his number one priority to collect every business card he was offered. After leaving MAGIC, Prince created a book of his own designs. His confidence told him that it was his time, and he started his own line called, GINO GREEN APPAREL.

With experience behind him he knew that people relate to slogans, and his line, "Criminology" was born. People from his past caught on and soon were asking him to design original pieces.

Prince’s brother, Anthony Mayol, whom had recently passed the bar and was intent on a career in law, saw the potential in his brother’s vision and put his plans on hold to become partner, and help his Prince pursue his vision.

Gino Green GlobalWhen I asked Prince how it felt to be sought after by such big names in the industry, he simply says, "Phenomenal. I love the respect. I appreciate it more than you know."

The talent was obvious, and offers soon began pouring in-- Investors recognized something unique in an already booming "street wear market."

Prince and his brother, Anthony, opened their first showroom in Uniondale, Long Island, naming it GINO GREEN GLOBAL. The name Gino represented their Italian heritage. With an admiration for designers such as GUCCI and LOUIS VUITTON, a symbol such as "GGG" seemed like a good logo. The interlocked "9’s" slashed across most of their apparel represents September 9, 2009, which they predict will be a lucky day for them.

Prince and Anthony stay true to their love of Hip-Hop swagger, and their collections always reflect their love of life, and the need of wanting more, as they aim to keep creating the looks that many celebrities such as Denzel Washington, Papoose, Lil’ Flip, and others, had grown to love. Wanting more is something they are not ashamed to declare. "We all want more," Prince says humbly.

Although Gino Green Global was attractive to the NYC urban population, the detail in each piece warranted a look that demanded a more upscale urban look, and soon became a description not worthy of "GGG." "When someone is so passionate about what they create, money is not the goal," Prince says.

Soon, he came up with a new line called "H" and "Hand Job," as he created ninety percent of these designs by hand. Aware of the power of a logo, he was determined to create an original one, no matter others thought.

Luckily, Andy Hilfiger was impressed, and took him under his wing. Andy believed in Prince, and had the connections to take Prince places emerging designers only dreamed of. Thankful for all Andy had to offer, he accepted his advice and friendship, but ultimately stayed true to his vision. Soon he was recognized on his own by A-list musicians such as Ed Lover, T-Payne, and 50 cent.

When I asked Prince how it felt to be sought after by such big names in the industry, he simply says, "Phenomenal. I love the respect. I appreciate it more than you know." I then asked him if there was a defining moment when he knew he had stepped onto the scene, and he told me it was when these guys asked for his designs personally.

Want More Gino Green Global? Then check out fashion writer, Lauren Cutler’s exclusive interview with Prince, the Visionary behind the collection, in the excerpt below. . .

 

Lauren: Do you have any formal business training, or fashion design experience? Have you ever interned? Did you study fashion design at a special school?

Gino: I basically taught myself, and surrounded myself with people who I admire. I was lucky to have some very talented people who believed in me as mentors.

Lauren: How does it feel to have these A-listers donning Gino Green Global?

Gino: It’s a dream come true. I love the respect, but I really appreciate it.

Lauren: Was there a defining moment or time that you just knew you were going to be a success?

Gino: Several. It just felt right, like this is what I am supposed to be doing.

Lauren: What age group do you have in mind while you create your designs?

Gino: Young, energetic people that love life, although there really is no age limit.

Lauren: What is the average price range, for let’s say a T-shirt or a pair of Jeans?

Gino: A T-shirt goes for $50 to $60. Jeans go anywhere from a $100-$125. Normally, they run for $180-225, but we’re in a recession. The Hand Job T’s sell for about $70.

Lauren: Which stores currently carry your line? Who would you like to sell to in the future?

Gino: Mostly mom and pop boutiques. We are currently in over 300 stores.

Lauren: Who or what inspires you?

Gino: I am mostly inspired by color and art.

Lauren: Do you wear your own designs? Who else do you wear when you go out; let’s say to a nightclub or a nice restaurant?

Gino: I wear my own stuff all the time. I can pair one of my T’s and a pair of Jeans with a Gucci Blazer. I also love Versace and Louis Vuitton.

Lauren: Are there any designers you compare yourself to?

Gino: Not really. I like to think I am pretty original though I do admire and respect other designers.

Lauren: It seems you believe in portraying a positive message regarding global awareness and earth conservation. What is the ultimate message you want to convey to the public, and to those who wear your designs?

Gino. Just to stay true to yourself. And soon, I hope to become even more eco-friendly, by using all organic materials, taking all chemicals out of paints.

 

"I love advertising on the Internet. You can check me out on GGGlive.com. We were written up by Russell Simmons on Global Grind. That was amazing."

Lauren: How have you been marketing your brand? Gino Green Global_T's Close up

Gino. I love giveaways, block parties, keeping it real in the neighborhood. I love being involved in the culture.

Lauren: What publications / media outlets has your line been featured in? Do you have a spokes person for GGG? If not, who would you want to represent your line? Who do you visualize could represent GGG?

Gino: I love advertising on the Internet. You can check me out on GGGlive.com. We were written up by Russell Simmons on Global Grind. That was amazing.

Lauren: Can you describe GGG in three words?

Gino. Love, Life and Green. That’s what comes to mind.

Lauren: Do you have any events coming up?

Gino: I have a reality show in the works, which I’m excited about, but I can’t really talk about it.

Lauren: For your spring collection, what trends or must haves have you created for the gents? Can you tell me a bit about your new "S" campaign?

Gino. It’s called "Su-ture." It’s a more mature, medical stitch with a slimmer, European cut.

Lauren: Do you have a desire to create a women’s line?

Gino: We have one. It includes bathing suits and hats. We also have a children’s line.

Lauren: If you weren’t designing clothes, what do you think you’d most likely be doing? Are there any ventures you’d like to take on in the future?

Gino: I’ll be in the clothing business for life. It’s what I love, and I feel blessed that I’m able to do what I love. I do hope to help young talent as I was helped.

Lauren: Can you tell me a little about your "G’s are back" marketing strategy?

Gino: The new logo: "GGG" is new and improved. The interlocked G’s represent strength, wings represent expanding, spreading. The fact that they look like 9’s has significant meaning--By 9/9/09 G’s will be in a whole new place.

Lauren: What is your most memorable fashion moment since the launch of GGG?

Gino: Definitely meeting Russell Simmons.

Lauren: In the highly competitive world of fashion, what keeps you going? Is there a motto that you live by?

Gino: Just stay true to yourself. Pursue what you love.

Prince took a 6-7 month break from marketing his clothing line to focus on music, and that’s what he’s talking about when he says, "G’s are back." He is in a really good place, and wants to expand his creativity. "Music is my other passion," he says.

 

 

For more on Gino Green Global, please visit: www.ginogreenglobal.com

Interview granted courtesy of Soul Pitch Media, Cynamin Jones, www.soulpitchhustle.com

Photo Captions:

Prince jpg- The visionary behind the brand, Prince. Photo By: Curtis Reese Brown, www.reesebphotos.com

GGG’s up Close jpg- It’s all about the G’s! Photo By: Curtis Reese Brown, www.reesebphotos.com

Display Showroom jpg- Inside Gino Green Global’s NYC Showroom. Photo By: Curtis Reese Brown, www.reesebphotos.com

Guitar jpg- It’s all about music and love in Prince’s world. Photo By: Curtis Reese Brown, www.reesebphotos.com

Celebrities Who Support the Gino Green Global Movement!

Papoose jpg, Lil’ Flip jpg, Don Dinero jpg, and Gino Green Global outfit- Photos: formatmag, soulpitchmedia