Meet Denzel Parris | Designer & CEO of Denzel Parris International

We had the good fortune of connecting with Denzel Parris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Denzel, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
That’s a good question, the thing that jumps out at me is the idea that “You need money to start.“ When I started I was a broke college student living in Miami. I didn’t have any money, I’m not saying that you don’t need money to create a line, but in order to start you have to do just that and start. To borrow a phrase “Just Do It !”.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I think what sets me apart is my approach to design. My confidants have heard me say it a million times, “femininity and silhouette”. Before I even put pencil to paper I think “How can I make this woman in front of me her most feminine.” At the end of the day my main goal is to create something that is timeless. I’m not necessarily trying to dress any one person, for one specific event, or one specific moment. I’m trying to create pieces that have staying power, that have longevity. Looking back, the only reason I am here today is because I kept working on my dream when there was no incentive, financial or otherwise, only than the drive to do so. From there it was about being ready to take the opportunities that became available to me. Of course it was not easy, there were times I scaled back on groceries in order to buy fabric or have a sample made. To be completely honest I overcame these challenges by envisioning a future in which I could pass down something with my name on it. It sounds cliché I know, but what greater gift can you give your next generation. I’ve learned too many lessons to count, what stands out is not letting your ego get in your own way. I’ve had to scale back aspirations, and realize what I’m doing takes time, by learning to trust the process I’ve been able to take pressure off myself. I want the world to see Denzel Parris as a space to strive for, a space to exist in, as opposed to just another luxury fashion line.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well to eat, I love Bakan in Wynwood, in that Wynwood as whole is so different from anywhere I’ve been in this country, it’s where all the arts and creatives congregate in a very natural way, it’s stimulating and there is always a new place to eat. Obviously I love food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So, this is a little crazy, my ex girlfriend, who I met studying in Miami. There was a day, we were standing in the parking lot in front of her dorm, my major was business at the time, discussing my work, our conversation took a turn towards my love and passion for design, and it got to a point where she challenged me to live up to my potential. She introduced me to the school’s fashion program, with the help of Professor Jack Rose. Once I got serious she helped streamline my vision. There was one day, I remember her saying, “You need to be on social media”, because I am notoriously a laggard in this respect, she ripped my phone from my hand and made the Instagram account I still use today. The rest is history.

Website: https://www.denzelparris.co/

Instagram: @denzelparris

Twitter: @denzel_parris

Image Credits
Denzel Parris photo: Tarik Sparks @tariksparks Look book photography: Donovan Moss @donovankmoss