 |
The Debonairs: The Debonairs are sitting here at the Chinatown Brasserie with Coltrane Curtis of MTV. For those unfamiliar, why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself?
Coltrane Curtis: The life story?
TD: A bit about you and where you came from...
CC: 31 years old and happily married. As far as the job history, I realized a long time ago that I didn’t want a real job (laughs). I started out working at the Polo store in Atlanta back when I was attending Morehouse. Following that I took a very, very low paying
TD: And when did MTV come into the picture?
CC: From Ecko I moved onto Complex Magazine and had my hand in starting G-Unit apparel. One day I got a call from Ben White at MTV and he said that he had an opportunity. The rest is history.
TD: Any exciting projects in the works?
CC: I always look forward to the red carpet stuff. We’ve got the VMAs and Movie Awards coming up which gives me a chance to grill the state of fashion.
TD: Grill in what sense? The celebrities themselves?
CC: I bring a different, realistic perspective to my interviews since I have personal and social relationships with most of the people I talk to. I can really get down on the nitty gritty of their decision process.
TD: Interesting. How about a little fashion-forecasting...
CC: I expect to see a renaissance in urban couture.
TD: You make that up or something?
CC: I guess you can say I coined it. It’s about a cool, young multi-cultural guy in his twenties and thirties that consumes luxury products at a staggering rate.
(Eddie): Or any girl I’ve dated in this city.
CC: I hear that. Expect to see the market cleaning up. A transition away from baggy, to straight leg. People will be wearing much slimmer fitting garments. I would personally like to see denim die. I’m over denim. Sweatpants and fleece should make a comeback. Comfort is in. A fleece blazer or suit, clothes you could wear to the office and then from the office out. A 24-hour suit if you will. Comfort is key for me. I don’t know if fashion can survive losing a staple like denim, but it wouldn’t be a big loss for me.
TD: Any other insight?
CC: I’m over sneakers too. Too many kicks are popping up. I can’t keep up. If you see a guy on the street wearing a pair you like, snap a photo, go buy something else. This will force you to be original.
TD: Individuality, is that big for you?
CC: Yeah, guys need to understand this. It’s not about spending a ton of money and following the trends. Find a good tailor and buy clothes that fit. Invest in the accessories. Every guy needs a fly pair of frames; it’s our best friend. A nice belt, great shoes - this is what separates us from the pack. I just did a campaign for Rockport. I want to see guys wearing shoes again. Enough with the sneakers.
TD: So when you’re not in front of the camera, what are you doing?
CC: My wife and I own our own marketing and advertising company, Epiphany Media. We represent brands like Bombay Sapphire, Zero Halliburton, and Sapporo. We create special events and promotions for them. I love bringing brands together, creating new lines, bringing excitement and life back to companies. And when I’m not doing this, expect to find me at the crib, on the couch, watching Sportscenter/Discovery HD.
TD: So are you a big restaurant guy?
CC: We eat out all the time, my wife and I. We live in Little Italy, so we keep it local, Lure, Angelos, Chinatown Brassiere, late night snacks at the Soho Grand. I’m not a Park Avenue kind of guy, but I do appreciate fine food. Oh yes, and Sundays, it’s ribs at Houston’s.
TD: Haha, nice. Any final words for the Debonair reader?
CC: Frame game sets off what you do. Accessorize and be different. Embrace the hustle, I’m crazy busy, but I can’t complain. Life is good for Coltrane.
TD: Check please!
 | ||||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
||||
| ||||||
