Uptown Billie Jean
Uptown Billie Jean is a Black-owned modern art museum. Not fashion. Art.
Made in Harlem, NY.
February 22, 2022, capturing art with uptown billie jean
Lovell (the owner), says his business is a modern art museum. Not fashion, but art. You know I had to ask why. Here’s what he had to say about it:
“I feel like my pieces are more of a work of art than fashion? In fashion, you create something and then you make a bunch of copies of it. The art comes from the original product, not the duplicates. Since all my pieces are 1 of 1, anybody who wears it will be wearing the original, not a copy”
I loved this statement so much and couldn’t agree more with him. Without a doubt, Lovell’s work is art. This Carhartt jacket is one the best pieces I’ve seen in a long time❤️🔥. Black creativity is so precious and deserves way more than the credit it’s given today.
As a photographer, using my creativity is one of the best feelings ever. Although, I have to be honest and admit it does give me challenges as I’ve combined it into a business. Which lead me to ask Lovell:
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far as a business owner?
“Well as far as fashion is concerned, I guess the biggest lessons are that this industry is copy-cat lane. So being original doesn’t always get seen. And that sometimes simple is better, or less is more. As far as arts are concerned, the biggest thing I’ve learned so far is that inspiration is everywhere. You just have to be open enough to receive it.”
Those last two sentences are like gold to me.
Honestly, supporting and meeting these business owners in this past month has inspired me in ways I never thought it would. Representation matters. Supporting small businesses, the businesses that are owned by minorities, is vital. It helps my community thrive. We work so damn hard and often it gets overlooked. We deserve our flowers and I just want us all to be successful. 🦋
Check them out yourself:
Website: https://billiejean.us/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uptownbilliejean/