In 2013, Trinidad James took the rap world by storm with his song, “All Gold Everything,” but he also showed that he could traverse the fashion world as well. Even back then, James had his own clothing line, Gold Gang Gear. As time has gone by, he’s immersed himself in the fashion scene more than ever.
James is now the founder of the apparel and design brand HOMMEWRK, which hones in on the importance of learning and the purpose of art and style. James wants people to know they have the knowledge and awareness to create paths for themselves, and he’s starting with teaching that message through his brand.
James spoke with rolling out at the Got Sole sneaker convention about his latest shoe release, women’s basketball and what fashion means to him.
How did it feel to be at the convention?
It’s Atlanta, Georgia, so I’m at home. It’s a good feeling to be back in the sneaker community just supporting, helping out and watching the kids play ball. We just dropped a new shoe dedicated to women’s basketball. … It’s our culture shoe, and it’s called “The Trophies.” It has a whistle behind it on the tongue; on the inside of the sole it says “Give them hell.” For all the girls out there that’s working hard — whether you’re an athlete or not, no matter what it is — don’t let anybody kill your spirit, and give them hell, sweetheart. You can check out our site at www.hommewrk.com. Everybody, do your homework.
What inspired you to create the brand?
“Stay a Student” means a lot. You can’t be your best self if you’re not willing to learn, and you can’t learn if you’re not willing to be a student. So you have to stay a student to learn. I wanted to make a brand that triggers your mind to want to find out what you’re wearing and why you wearing it.
What do you think about the rise in popularity of women’s basketball?
Shout-out to women’s basketball. Shout-out to Iowa, and shout-out to South Carolina. Shout-out to all the women playing in the WNBA. We got a second shoe coming out in the fall around WNBA Finals time. Women’s basketball needs more respect and more love-giving, so instead of just giving them flowers, we wanted to give them their trophies.
Why is fashion important to you?
If you look good, you perform well. I think that your image psychologically allows you to operate at a higher frequency. That’s why I love fashion.
