Bars &
Music Notes
Bars &
Music Notes
Bars &
Music Notes
Behind the Brand
Derek Kendall
Derek Kendall was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Derek Kendall attended Freedom Academy Highschool and then moved on to attend The City University of New York (CUNY). Before entering the entertainment, business Derek Kendall was an average guy like everyone else. Working a 9-5 to support himself, but with a little girl on the way that made Derek look at life in a different way. Derek Kendall is a Go-getter and will not stop until he succeeds, with faith and his spiritual point of view nothing can stop him. Here is his story.
What inspired you to become a designer?
What is your personal style?
What is your favorite part of being a fashion designer?
Hmm, I got inspired to become a designer by my sense of style & going to parties. After entering my first couple of fashion shows I noticed when you show up to an event everyone is wearing something fly. Designer brands, all geared up sometimes flashy…well some of them so I figured oh I can do that…easily. I bought a big white laundry bag, cut it up into sections & went to work. Of course with a box full of markers & accessories. I did not take it too seriously at first until lots of folks began motivating me to continue & to make it in bulk.
What is your favorite part of being a fashion designer?
Wow, my favorite part would have to be seeing someone wearing my gear & proud to wear it. Like “I feel cool.”Seeing them swag it out & knowing that I designed that. So it’s like my reputation & everything I’ve accomplished is on that person somehow, so that gives them a sense of having part of my legacy with them & they paid for it. Super dope!
You have your own brand called REKK, what does your brand stand for?
Got It from my name Derek, just added a K. It stands for confidence, & conquering a task “Rekking it” or getting the job done in a very stylish way. It is my way of emulating the golden age of graffiti, synth wave, & the magic that the 80s possessed. A time that has passed yet I will never forget.
What kind of clothing do you sell and what age groups?
I sell urban and athletic wear, that are aimed to the energetic crowds. People that are go-getters and know how to sport a dope garment. Age groups three to fifty years old, if you got the body for it go for it, just as long as their comfortable wearing whatever I’m offering on my site at the time.
Where do you see yourself as a model and business owner ten years from now?
I see myself still modeling but for big names and getting paid to do it. As a business owner there’s no question about it. Rekk has been born, Rekk will become a household name like Adidas, Nike or even Ford. I’ll definitely pass it off to my daughter.
My personal style comes from some of the dopest Hip-Hop artists ever, having been raised in Brooklyn you had to be fly or you was a cornball. I incorporated the style of dance, video games, anime, 80s retro & even old, vintage fashion into it. Then in a blink of an eye, I had created my own unique style.
What has been one of your biggest challenges and how did you overcome it?
One of my biggest challenges was accepting that I was eccentric. I didn’t understand it…until I became an adult. My level of interest in normal activities was low. I got bored easily and I overcame it by surrounding myself in art, studying films and old philosophers. Kind of like what geeks do, I would study how something was created or crafted, who made it, date, place and or who wrote it piece by piece. I knew then I found my spot within the arts. I began not caring what others thought about me or what I was interested in.
Following your brand, you are also a published model, what is a published model and what made you want to become a model?
A published model is a model that has had their photos mass printed in a publication, usually in a magazine or newspaper. I wanted to become a model so that I can encourage folks on how something should be worn weather it be a suit or a sweatsuit. I like to inspire people on how to make a statement by being yourself & being confident in who you are. Also to get back at all the folks who teased me as a kid since my parents couldn’t afford nice clothes for me lol I guess.
Do you only model for your brand or other companies as well?
No, I model for other companies too, it’s interesting to get a reaction from people you know wearing something out of the ordinary.
Wow, my favorite part would have to be seeing someone wearing my gear & proud to wear it. Like “I feel cool.”Seeing them swag it out & knowing that I designed that. So it’s like my reputation & everything I’ve accomplished is on that person somehow, so that gives them a sense of having part of my legacy with them & they paid for it. Super dope!
What is your favorite part of being a fashion designer?
Wow, my favorite part would have to be seeing someone wearing my gear & proud to wear it. Like “I feel cool.”Seeing them swag it out & knowing that I designed that. So it’s like my reputation & everything I’ve accomplished is on that person somehow, so that gives them a sense of having part of my legacy with them & they paid for it. Super dope!
“it's interesting to get a reaction from people you know, wearing something out of the ordinary”
How long have you been in this type of business
I'd say a solid three years, but I knew I was an amateur back then. Three years ago, is when that spark happened, when I started taking this business seriously.
How long have you been modeling for?
About the same time, I started Rekk, so I say 3 years also
If you were to give somebody advice on life or how to start their own business and modeling what would you say?
Start now and don’t waste any more time . Do what you enjoy, it may not seem like it’s coming together in the beginning but as long as you start somewhere! Also, never get discouraged by failure, you need failure to win.
Whats next?
Television, movies modeling ,running my business and doing what I love. I tend to be the greatest role model I can be.