Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Parks.
Brandon, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started Largesse in 2013. I always had a thing for fashion. Coming from Ohio, I was always known as one of the best-dressed guys around. So I had an idea for some cool all over print Dye Sublimatiin tees and at the time no one in Atlanta did this style of printing on apparel. I found a company in Minnesota who did and I when I got back the finished product it sucked. Bad! That led me on a quest to find someone in the city who could help me. I went to Danger Press and showed a guy there my ideas and he told me cut and sew was the way to go to achieve the look I was going for. He wrote out a list of places and people I should see and I started the journey there.
I went to Gail K. first and that took me to Cleaners Depot which was the previous location and name of what is today known as Fine Fabrics. It was there I met Miki Akins who was a pattern maker and seamstress with a production room upstairs. Having found that resource I began sketching out designs and ideas which I would take to her to get samples made. Eventually, I started doing production and that was the true beginning of Largesse. From there I worked on my design skill and just got better at it.
In 2015, a chance meeting with some sales reps from a brand based in NY turned into a job offer there. When I got to New York, I learned how to do graphic design and CAD work as well as Tech Packs which is how you communicate your designs to overseas manufacturers. When I left there in 2016, I spent a year doing Cads and graphics for other brands as a freelancer. Then one day I decided that I should try to make something myself. I had a sewing machine and basic skills but no knowledge of patterns and garment construction. Through major trial and error from then till today I have perfected my craft and taught myself how to create, cut and sew anything.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This road has been as winding and bumpy as it gets! I didn’t have help or teachers so it has been all hands on deck with this. Pattern making itself is a very hard skill to learn. Especially with no experience or someone to show you right and wrong so that made for a lot of ill-fitting pieces in the beginning.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The definition of Largesse is Generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others. These designs are my gifts. I’m known mostly for edgy street style apparel that is timeless. Currently, I do mostly custom pieces tailored to fit a clients need to match a certain color scheme or a pair of shoes for example. The thing I’m most proud of at this point is the fact that I haven’t given up on this dream yet. It’s been a long road and it takes a lot to get recognized in this business.
The thing that I feel sets me apart from others in this business is that I am constantly evolving every single day. I’m not limited creatively in that I can have an idea right now then go to my lab and actually create it that same day. Make it real. That’s powerful. I don’t have to wait on anyone to make this happen anymore. That alone is an amazing feeling to get to have. That and my styles are super dope! I’ve always been ahead of the curve. Usually, whatever the current trend is in fashion I designed it 3-4 years before it became relevant. Even if I didn’t get to capitalize on it, that tells me I’m on the right track creatively.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always the coolest kid around. Always up on what was new/hot before everyone else. I’ve always been laid back and chill with it though. Fashion has always been a part of my mythos.
Pricing:
- Custom Designs/Samples $250 and up
Contact Info:
- Phone: 4702574237
- Email: largesselife@gmail.com
- Instagram: @largessence
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
