Kwame Jackson: Flaunts Black Corporate Style with Krimson By Kwame
Former “Apprentice” star Kwame Jackson decided to take his trademark look to clothing stores around the country. His line of neckwear, Krimson by Kwame, has been making huge strides since its debut at Macy’s New York in 2004. Ro sat down with the dapper businessman to discuss his latest business endeavor and the inspiration behind Krimson by Kwame.
How would you describe Krimson by Kwame?
My neckwear is executive neckwear. I decided to start my own line instead of endorsing someone else’s. I always say this is not an urban brand; this is a brand for global professionals. [It’s for] anyone who is well-traveled, well-educated and trying to move up the corporate ladder. It’s [for] people who want to express a degree of personal style within the confines of corporate America. When you put this tie on, you’re trying to make something happen every day of your life.
What were some of your earliest hurdles getting the brand launched?
I didn’t really have anyone with the retail or brand expertise to help me scale it. … So I met [with] my fraternity brother, Corwin Thomas, who had his own neckwear company. And from there we continued to build it and scale it into what it is today.
What inspired Krimson by Kwame?
It’s the Harvard experience that I had — the whole well-dressed professional student, the ‘Great Gatsby’ look from the turn of the century. And also, Kappa Alpha Psi — my fraternity. … Well-dressed men [like] Arthur Ashe … Johnny Cochran and Bob Johnson have all inspired what I’ve decided to do.
Krimson by Kwame is available at Macy’s in New York, Chicago and Atlanta.
–todd williams
