Hidden Star: Designer Perre Hayes of “Prosperous Features” brand Q&A
By Patrick Hill @Pathill17
Introduce yourself by telling our readers your name, where you from, and what you do.
I’m Perre Hayes (Perry), Born and raised in Alexandria Virginia and I’ve been designing clothing for awhile now.
What made you become a fashion designer?
Growing up, I felt like we had it all. Anything that asked for, it was granted. At the age of 12 we moved and that’s when I realized that we didn’t have it all but mom and dad were just doing their best. Playing basketball and my sister cheerleading. Funds were short. Beginning my 7th grade year. I only had two pairs of pants. Cargoes and a black pair of jeans. So, I began to use old denim. I bleached, used spray paint, fabric glue and whatever I thought looked good. It was one of the best weeks of school. An outfit for the first 5 days and the students help my school year a lot. They bought my art and that was the beginning.
Who inspired you to be a designer?
Author Ashe was a big inspiration to me at first. I was an athlete first. Jan Matzeliger became second major influence. Had to find someone that did what I do, looked like me and faced issues on the to his own success.
Tell us about your brand and what your brand stands for.
The brand is Prosperous Features. Everyone has an interesting feature (talent) that can help us move forward in life and that feature can be very prosperous. We’re focused on a classic and prep-urban wear.
When you look at the fashion market and the competitors that your brand will have to face. What are you expectations for your brand and what separates your brand from the competition?
I haven’t really been looking at the market lately. I’m not looking at it all right now. Don’t want to see anyone’s ideas that may weigh in on my designs. I get ideas from everywhere and I get lost in my own imagination. When it comes to competitors. I’m not worried about them. I have to make us a competitive threat to them. What separates us from them would be our prep-urban wear. Suits and ties are also going to be way different. Bring some old styles back and mix it with today’s style.
You mention old style. You mean look like the 80’s or 70’s?
Maybe the 70’s but not the 80’s. I’m talking the Flippers from the 20’s and 30’s sir.
Okay. It’s funny I was going to post a black history article on the fashion.
Actually, this summer. I have a segment call Black History Summer. Targeting the everyday things that we use every day.
Explain that segment. What things are we using everyday as far as art and fashion?
Jan Matzeliger worked for many years to build a machine that can produce 100 to 700 pairs of shoes in a day.
Have you launch any product so far?
We do have product out Ha! and 1804 shirts and hats are being sold word of mouth until the launch.
When can customers expect your brand to launch?
March 16th is our launch date. June 19th is the launch for black history summer.
On March 16th, consumer can expect to buy your items on the website?
Yes! prosfeat.com
Alright. Well I don’t want to hold you up. Where can people find you to be updated on your work?
Facebook Instagram and Snapchat. We’ll be updating once a month and leading up to BHS. There will be a cookout/community outreach event the weekend be for June 19th. Prosperous Features on FB, @prosperousfeatures on IG and prosfeat1804 on Snapchat.
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