Q&A Sessions: Trey Alligood - Artistic Director, Shades of Black
Trey Alligood was named Partner and Artistic Director for Shades of Black in 2016. His career in fashion began in Los Angeles, California as the President of Sales for 575 Denim. He went on to open The Penthouse Showroom in 2006, where he represented over fifty brands globally and helped in design and development. In 2012, he sold The Penthouse Showroom and became a partner at Gents. His work fuses a seductive awareness of the body with moments of baroque finery and a raw touch. Today Alligood’s vision evolves the house of SOB into the future with an intimate respect for the art of design and fashion.
“SOB is more an ideology than culture, we care about Human Rights, it’s one of our core values.
We’re an inclusive label, still relatively speaking in our infancy but with big plans and big dreams. Breaking down stereotypes of men’s and women’s sections.
”
— TREY ALLIGOOD
Q: Tell us what inspired SOB? Why do you feel gender neutrality is so important?
A: My inspiration came from being in the fashion industry for some time and if there’s one thing I know for sure it’s that black is the number one seller in anything you design. For me it’s a philosophy, in an already complicated world where we have to make some many decisions every day, our wardrobe choices should be simplified: good quality comfortable product, looks cool, no fuss, and works for everyone. Less is more. I want you to be able to get dressed in the dark and come out looking like you spent hours curating what you’re wearing.
Q: What have been the major challenges of creating SOB?
A: Getting the fits right, when creating a gender-neutral label, you have to think about constructing your designs in a way that makes sense and works for all shapes and sizes – we’ve had a lot of different fit models come to see us…put it that way! SOB is inspired by streetwear, so the silhouettes are a little oversized and the collection has been developed in a way to be layered, all the pieces work together, so that helps across the gender spectrum.
Q: What is the culture of SOB?
A: SOB is more an ideology than culture, we care about Human Rights, it’s one of our core values. We’re an inclusive label, still relatively speaking in our infancy but with big plans and big dreams. Breaking down stereotypes of men’s and women’s sections. Q: Tell us one thing you want everyone to know about SOB?
A: We are an inclusive company that designs for all genders, shapes, and sizes.
Q: What are the major of changes from last season?
A: We’re introducing more tailored pieces as limited edition drops, again still within the monochromatic palette in custom fabrics and textures.
Q: How do you see men’s and woman’s fashion changing over the next few years?
A: I think that SOB offers one example of what it could be as the gender-neutral wave will definitely become stronger. We’ve just scratched the surface of this concept and I think it’s going to become a much bigger conversation.
Q: As creative director of SOB, has your design choices been challenged?
A: No not really, I’ve been in this industry a long time, so I am lucky that my team has faith in what I do and the vision I have for the brand. I always ask for their input on product design and development, as we’re a diverse team here so I love to see them try on styles and give feedback, it always helps with the process.
Q: Let’s talk about Social Justice, where does SOB stand in the thick of it all?
A: SOB was cultivated through Dept of Good and has aligned itself to support human rights organizations that help with human rights issues across the globe. OutRight Action International is the first organization we’ve partnered with and they fight for justice and civil rights for vulnerable communities all around the world, especially within the LGBTIQ communities. There are a lot of vulnerable people out there that need support and I’m more than willing to help them in any way I can.
Q: Who is your favorite designer? Why?
A: Neil Barrett – He finds ways to merge streetwear with modern tailored garments and accessories. Staying relevant in today’s Modern/Streetwear wave while not deviating from his aesthetic.
Q: What does the future hold for SOB?
A: The future for SOB is to collaborate with other artist, designers, and humans to create experiences and pieces that have a life and soul. Opening up spaces that encourage creativity and community.
Q: If you had to sum up your approach in three words, what would they be?
A: Integrity, Innovative, and transparent
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