Swavor Clothing Q & A

@KeaMaAyoki / Concrete Jungle

1. Where does the name Swavor come from? And what made you choose that name instead of something else?

A: Well to be frank I didn't come up with the name. A fellow co-Founder, D Rapheal Yates did. It was catchy, swift, and has multiple pronunciations. It spinned of an acronym; Shek's Wealthy  Arrogant Victorious Original Retail. So at that point I was like yea, sure that will work. We just kept it that way and kept the ball rolling.

 2. Tell me a little about the design philosophy behind Swavor. 

A: Well alot of times philosophies get complex. You will hear things like 'style for the area' or 'style that is for the DMV' Then people will run off and take things from Cali and try and DMV-ify it. We use what is going on in the world. Every culture, every art painting, ancient civilization etc. sparks our imagination. Culture is something that doesnt die or waver. We want you to feel like each piece you buy from us is a piece of world culture or art that you would want to put in a picture frame. Streetwear brand trends switch by the season and certain things arent cool for long. or philosophy is to still stay within trends but evolve them to a point where you can wake up in 5 years and still want to wear that. So its not just a tee shirt.

3. Shek Tarawallie...who are you, where are you from and what started Swavor clothing?

A: American born, British educated designer. A full-time college student, Co-Founder and active CEO at Swavor. The way Swavor started is a bit blurry. D sparked the idea for everything to jump start. In our very humble start I put down $191 and printed off 24 tees. The rest has been like fast forwarding something on VHS.  Just so quick and so fulfilling to have a presence on the scene is surreal.

4. Who helps you out with Swavor/ who works for you, and what is your relationship with the people who work with you?

@KeaMaAyoki / Concrete Jungle

A: Well, as alot of people reading this already know, the name Christofer Brito rings bells in all of our fans heads. Here is a guy who I met around the time we first started. He is the inventor of the Swavor logo and is Swavor's artistic director. I wasn't a designer before Chris. This guy literally made me fall in love with fashion. I do give Mr. Yates respect for his initial concept of the brand, but without Chris' dismissal of that concept, we would have been in a graveyard. Chris and I have collaborated on the last two collections and that is what I believe has put us on the surface. He is enrolled in the first Fashion school in the history of the world (Esmod). He is a legend already and I couldn't be more proud of him. Most of the pictures you see taken are done by out Media Director Brandon Gatling aka Concrete Jungle. The visuals speak for themselves. So that is pretty much it a three man crew. 

5. It seems difficult to find quality local designs around here, and a lot of competition. How do you produce your clothing, what do you think is your competitive edge, and what do you think about the local industry?

A: We have suppliers that range from T-shirts to Silk scarves. Mostly domestic. We aren't talking just printed in the USA, we mean from scratch. I dont think it is an edge persay, but rather just understanding that we cant get cornered with a hipster movement or a fad. Just keep it moving. When we put something up for sale we already have 15 ideas ahead. Well of course in the area there are dope brands. Formal Eye, Billions of currency and of course the legendary Durkl. I like those guys. Alot of brands have terrible quality though.Their tags fall off, their pocket tees become unstitched, their tees shrink. Its tragic sometimes. But if you are in it for the money, get your money. I'd rather you sell tees than sell drugs to little kids. 

                                                                                                                                                                             6. While starting this brand, what were some obstacles you faced and if you could go back in time, what would you change about Swavor clothing?

@KeaMaAyoki / Concrete Jungle

A: Well money was a big thing. I spent alot of money on the wrong things. I wish I could have known more about the business before jumping into it. I would not change anything though. It got us to where we are and for now I am content with that. I am sure that contentment is temporary, but I am fine at this very moment.

7. What were your initial goals, and have they changed thus far? Also, what would you dream Swavor Clothing to be like?

A: My initial goal was to make a profit. Buy something for one dollar and sell it for two then walk around and call myself a businessman. But the more I fell in love with the brand, the more I became in depth with designing, i realized that there is so much more. To survive in fashion I believe you have to set your standard and stay firm! No matter what. It is the product over the money anyday. That is something that comes with time I believe. Now I want Swavor to be the biggest brand ever. I have been offered thousands and thousands of dollars for my company now and I turn it down each and every time.  I want my brand to be a staple for excellence. I dont just want local success. I would rather be the brand to come out of the DMV, then to be a DMV brand.

8. What makes Swavor Clothing different from other brands, and what makes Swavor similar?

A: The team we have is so close knit. I think that where some people see it as a weakness, it has become our strength. It is very easy to flourish if everything is close knit. Loyalty is not as big of an issue. As for design-wise, we make clothes that we would want to wear. It just so happens thousands of people agree. Our quality is outstanding. Each design is limited. We have excellent customer service via email. We take care of our customers with coupons,stickers, and events. In fact when the website

First launched on Karmaloop I wrote letter to each and every person that ordered something. Because I knew the connection that it would start. The customer is just as important as our staff. Without them it doesn't work and that is something that alot of independent brands never understand. 

9. What brands do you look up to and why?

A: I am a fashion historian. So my influences are more of the Cristobal Balenciaga's and the Christian Dior's. But brand or designer I should say I admire the most is Tom Ford. He is my absolute hero. I dont make anything couture yet, but those guys are who I look up too. Their ad campaigns and their marketing are just so perfect! It is the best part of fashion to me. Streetwear wise of course your Stussy's , your Supremes, Durkl. There are alot of brands that are just too dope not to love. But with streetwear it gets repetitive. Everybody makes tanks, everybody makes pocket tees. The higher up you go on the fashion ladder the more you see 'real' talent. To create. To diversify. 

10. Any advice to people looking to start a company? No matter what industry they may be in.

A: just be yourself. Do what you are proud of. Don't listen to the sideline people, listen to the legenda or the

People in the game. Everyone can say do it this way... but if they could they would do it themselves

11. What's next for Swavor Clothing?

A: I dont like to jinx but I am sure You guys will be an outlet when it is announced. 

Shek also gave us a sneak peek of their silk scarf dropping soon! 

My opinion: Quality designs with a lot of time & money put in for an overall great product. I will be making numerous purchases soon, I hope you will too!