Display of Russell Simmons Argyle Culture suit.
Russell Simmons Argyle Culture Insignia
Hip hop mogul Russell Simmons
: Russell Simmons and Deanna Dunham.
Hip-hop and fashion mogul Russell Simmons is making waves again, this time promoting his latest menswear, Russell Simmons Argyle Culture, that included a meet-and-greet at Oakland Mall’s Macy’s April 11.
An urban offspring to his Phat Farm’s oversized hoodies and baggy jeans, Argyle Culture offers the next level of fashion to the hip-hop generation of males over 25 who are making a name for themselves in the professional world, but still rely on the comfort and look of urban threads.
Exclusively retailing in the men’s department at Macy’s stores, “It’s the idea of the urban graduate. It started at Phat Farm; there was no hip-hop expression and that community grew up,” Simmons stated.
The new line, launched i last fall, features a more-fitted, casual look of cardigans, polo shirts, linen button-ups, jeans and golf shorts that reflect a closer attention to color, texture and subtle detail including occasional argyle designs multidiamond-shaped patterns woven into the fabric, a design that Simmons enjoys in his own personal collection.
“Argyle is just a culture, attitude, and it’s a statement about classic American flavor. It was something that I did before,” Simmons said of the design, which is also hinted in the Phat Farm collection.
“If I had to pick a person to dress it would be Barack Obama,” Simmons stated, referring to the relaxed sophistication his new men’s line represents.
The second fashion venture for Simmons, Argyle Culture went into the developmental stages shortly after he sold his Phat Fashion enterprise that included Phat Farm and Baby Phat to the Kellwood Co. for $140 million cash in 2004.
Simmons, heading Phat Fashion as CEO, stepped down in November 2007 while his ex-wife, Kimora Lee Simmons, took over as creative director.
Running parallel to his visit at Oakland Mall, Simmons also debuted the re-release of his inspirational book, “Do You,” a New York Times Bestseller, gifting signed copies to fans who purchased $70 or more from the Argyle Culture Collection.
Moved to share the methods of his own success with others, Simmons explained the premise of the book. “It’s the place you operate from,” he stated, “and those secrets [don’t] happen without the relationship with that self.”
And operating from within, Simmons created another successful marker in his already vast dynasty with the recent launch of GlobalGrind.com, an up-to-the-hour webzine that features the latest in hip-hop, entertainment, sports and “politricks” funded under Rush Communications, Simmons’ media company.
“We’re godfathering the entire hip-hop internet presence,” Simmons said.
To purchase Russell Simmons Argyle Culture, visit your nearest Macy’s store or online at www.argyleculture.com.
