Ten Minutes with Chaplin Edmonson of Chaplon Clothing Co.

Talk about life taking you into unexpected places. For Chaplin Edmonson of Chaplon Clothing Co., life took an unexpected twist when his newly acquire skill of silk screening soon had him taking orders from friends. In a short time, it turned into a full fledged career that allowed for self expression and even larger goals.

This designer’s journey has not always been easy but with several hard earned lessons learned there are sure to be some big successes in the years to come. We wish him all the best!!!

Oligoville: Tell us about your brand and how it is different from your competition.

Chaplin: Chaplon operates on the premise that design should be universal and able to speak across race, creed, gender or the constricting lines of social status.  It was birthed in a mind that consistently lives in a world of fusion, the clothing is a blend of original hip hop and skateboard culture. We create classic items and do not focus on fads or trends.

Oligoville: How did your career or interest in design begin?

Chaplin: I never attended fashion school but in 2006 began working for a silk screen shop where I learned the details and intricacies of fabrics and design. In between jobs I created my own shirts imprinted with a logo I produced using my nickname “Chaplin”. Originally I only intended to wear my own design, but after an overwhelming amount of requests I began creating logo shirts for others by order only. As demand grew I started making more shirts and designs using socially aware and musical messages until I could no longer fulfill all of the orders. I then produced my first full line of shirts using original designs officially launching Chaplon Clothing Company in 2007.

Oligoville: Whom or what inspires your designs?

Chaplin: I decided a few years back that I wanted to do something creative that was an expression of my individuality. I’ve always been a fashion enthusiast and I kind of fell into it and it was an amazing fit. I am constantly inspired by music, and the desire to express myself through my unique medium.

Oligoville: Describe a typical day for you?

Chaplin:My day always starts off with music. On a typical day I am designing something creative for the line that will be later refined or used as a concept. I typically have at least one phone or personal interview about new design opportunities. However, the bulk of my typical day I get to do what I love most which is be creative and think outside the box in design.

Oligoville: Describe your fashion style.

Chaplin: I would say my style now is Euro Street Skate. It is just the style I am feeling at the time. I tend to mix cultures in my wardrobe that sound ridiculous together but actually balance each other well.

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned from that.

Chaplin: Loosing loads of money with overseas manufactures and getting items stuck in customs. I have learned to triple check the people I work with and to have a detailed plan well ahead of time. Also to prepare for the worst so that when problems do arise all I have to do is put out small expected fires instead of the giant inferno I could have avoided.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Chaplin: Walking into a place and seeing someone with my design on. It is a feeling like none other.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next 5 years and what are some goals that you have for your brand?

Chaplin: In the next 5 years I see Chaplon Clothing Co. opening its first retail location. The brand expanded to denims, limited released shoes and more cut and sew items. I have set the goal of being a staple in fashion having retail locations in at least four countries. I want the brand to become a true lifestyle brand where at any phase in a persons life we have something to offer.

Oligoville: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Chaplin: Do your homework, be creative and follow your own ideas for your brand not what the industry is doing because it changes every minute. Create a strong name and never be afraid of someone saying no or a door closing.

Oligoville: What song never fails to make you happy?

“Hey Jude”- The Beatles