Today we’d like to introduce you to Levi Marcus.
Hi Levi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in Trinidad & Tobago, where I was always interested in movies and art. My grandfather would often draw my favorite characters for me, such as Hercules or Mufasa from Lion King and create toys out of cardboard.
He was my first inspiration when it came to creativity, but it was my mother who got me into fashion. She introduced me to brands like Abercrombie & Fitch and Express, which were popular at the time but not available in Trinidad. So she would always bring back a piece or two anytime she made a trip to the US.
Fast-forward to 2013, after graduating secondary school (CAPE) St. Mary’s College, I was encouraged by my step-father and mentor to enroll at The Saville Row Bespoke Academy, London, UK. This is where I trained under Andrew Ramroop (Trinidadian), one of the first black tailors to own a business on Saville Row named Maurice Sedwell in 1988. For three months, I got the opportunity to experience fashion at the highest level and witness the attention to detail that creates these masterpieces.
After moving back to Trinidad, I worked at the bank for two years, where I realized just how much I didn’t fit into the corporate world.
In 2015, I left for New York to attend The Fashion Institute of Technology where I studied Fashion Business Management for four years using the brand as a live case study applying whatever I learnt in school. At first, I’d produce caps embroidered with my handwritten signature logo and sell to friends and family that supported the brand from the trunk of my car. One Christmas my father gifted me his camera, which gave me the creative freedom to tell my brand’s visual story on Instagram. I’ve grown to love photography, being able to document the process is such a blessing.
Since then, I’ve expanded my collections to T-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, shirts, shorts, jackets & jeans; always experimenting and trying to push the conversation on Contemporary Caribbean Fashion.
The time spent away from home amplified the appreciation for my culture and led me to understand my purpose and point of view in the fashion industry. To authentically communicate our cultural dialogue.
Designed by us for those like us; The global Caribbean community and those who would like to join our tribe.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It definitely was not a smooth road and I don’t think it ever will be.
Some of my struggles were finding suppliers, walking all over the city or sending a barrage of emails just to find the right one.
Managing orders and inventory also took a while to get the hang of, and dealing with the long lines at the post office was never fun.
However, I think the most prevalent would be my confidence, which had both its highs and lows, but learning how to manage that to maintain a healthy mental space is something I’m always grateful for.
As a businessman and creative, I’ve realized that the roller coaster is inevitable, and the most important thing is to enjoy the ride. Struggle is what builds character.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Levi Marcus is a Contemporary Caribbean Lifestyle Brand governed by roots and culture. We create products inspired by the history and culture of our people, celebrating our similarities and differences as West Indians and serving the global community that shares the same sentiments.
Our most popular collection since 2016 has been the iNation Collection, that serves as a Contemporary Caribbean Uniform that gives our customers the opportunity to rep their island without having to compromise style, quality and versatility. This collection has been worn by the likes of Lorraine Toussaint (Actress), Kees Dieffenthaller (Musician), Marc John Jefferies (Actor), and Anya Ayoung Chee (Designer).
In addition to the iNation Collection, we also release LM® Signature Collections; Our more experimental projects usually around Summer, Carnival and the Holidays.
What sets us apart is that many global brand’s nowadays pull inspiration from the Caribbean and sometimes it comes across as a bit stereotypical.
LM® is proposing an authentic Caribbean point of view with an understanding of global fashion and culture through time spent in New York, London, and Toronto.
One of my proudest moments was in 2020 when I collaborated with Machel Montano (Musician) on his Tour Merch for the Carnival season. I’ve listened to him growing up and always admired his work ethic and ability to maintain such a high level in his craft. He’s like T&T’s Michael Jackson.
Currently we are all sold out, but a new collection will be dropping soon, so stay tuned for that at www.levimarcus.com.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I believe that the fashion industry is going to become more purposeful in the years to come. With the pandemic happening, it has really shifted our perspective when it comes to life, and a major part of life is of course, fashion.
We have already seen consumers voting with their income, supporting brands for more than just their style.
In the next 5-10 years, I believe the industry will become more conscious. Choosing methods of production that maintain rather than deplete mother earth.
Consumers will support brands that align with their beliefs socially, environmentally and culturally.
But most of all, I think the industry will become more authentic, and the brands and creatives that stay true to their core heritage will be the ones that are still part of the conversation a decade from now.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.levimarcus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/levi.marcus/
Image Credits:
Levi Marcus Howell Creative Tendencies Abeera Hessa
