For The Critics

Last month we showed a video called “Fly Everywhere I go” which was a pictorial of a campaign being run by Pittsburgh’s own Frequently Fly clothing. Today, He debuted part two of that campaign and we also got a hold of Mr. Frequently Fly to talk to him about his brand, the movement, the spacesuit and where he wants to take his clothing line…Also, below the line is the 2nd part to the “Fly Everywhere I go” Campaign…Get it.

ForTheCritics.com : Well, First and foremost…The question anyone who’s visited your site or seen you out is What does the Spaceman suit, Your logo and the name of your brand symbolize?

Frequently: I think the best place to start is with the name and logo. A large portion of it is self explanitory to an extent, but the entire concept of what is being done in regards to this brand is based on man’s obsession with flight. That can be traced as far back as Icarus in greek mythology and proceeds to current day astronauts. It’s translated in the urban culture as a representation of status as well as a sense of style, so we feel that we embody that sense…frequently.
The spacesuit was the translation of that same concept except it was a campaign that we felt was a complete representation. We hoped that it would also garner attention and actually get a conversation started, which is exactly what it did. The campaign is called “Fly Everywhere I Go”, so the whole idea behind it was to find a blatantly obvious way to represent someone being fly, and then put them into everyday situations. The main idea was being fly everywhere you go, so that’s why there are shots taken in the park, walking around town, on the bus, in a Taco Bell, in a hotel, etc. These are all places that people frequent on a regular if not daily basis but regardless of where you are your always fly.

ForTheCritics.com : Everybody starts somewhere, Talk a little about your path that ultimately led you to Frequently Fly…

Frequently: When I was in high school I had a desire to do a clothing line. Not a streetwear brand or a shirt line, but a full fledged clothing line. As I did the research and looked into financing the entire venture I got a reality check in terms of the amount of money that it would cost me to purchase rare fabrics as well as paying a seamstress, etc. So I sort of fell back from chasing that dream. Time went on and eventually I started to get the itch again, I was still designing shirts here and there, or just drawing them out in my sketch book that I kept. A lot of the ideas were just general, then one day I was in the shower and got an idea for a brand, so I slowly built on that idea from time to time scribbling ideas on the backs of napkins and envelopes. Even then it wasn’t anything that I was sure I wanted to pursue fully.
Things picked up some when I bought the Air Jordan Spizikes, the white and grey versions. I could not find any shirt that I liked to wear with those shoes, so I designed one myself. That is where the entire idea really came to fruition, a lot of people don’t realize that I never even intended for anyone else to have that shirt other than myself. But there was such a positive response to the initial mock up design that I decided to release it.

ForTheCritics.com : What has been the biggest positive event and biggest negative event on the road to getting your brand up and running so far?

Frequently: The biggest positive is just the response I’ve received to not only the initial release but the other 3 that have followed, and all of the love that people have showed. I was somewhat surprised at the way that people have taken to it, even in terms of people using the name and making the claims of “I’m Frequently Fly”, it feels good to see something that you created taking off like that. No pun intended. So far I have yet to really run into any road blocks or negativity, hopefully it stays that way.

ForTheCritics.com : Suddenly there was a boost in streetwear brands, What sets FF [Frequently Fly] Apart from the competition? and how do you plan on continuing to stand out among the other brands that are currently out there?

Frequently: I would have to actually disagree with the initial statement there, I think there may have been an initial boost in streetwear lines, but there haven’t been a lot of actual “brands” in terms of really being a brand or branching out beyond just the clothing. I honestly believe that’s where we plan to separate ourselves from other lines that are currently out, we want to have this transcend the shirts. A lot of people have actually embraced the concept of being Frequently Fly, so it’s no longer just a shirt line it’s more of a way of life.

ForTheCritics.com : So, Who was all involved in the creation of FF?

Frequently: It’s a solo venture in terms of designs, brand management, marketing etc. But there’s a large support system in place that have been there since the beginning.

ForTheCritics.com : Do you personally handle all your design work for the brand?

Frequently: Yes I do.

ForTheCritics.com : Which audience are your designs aimed at?

Frequently: Honestly I design things for myself, and it’s just that other people happen to like them.

ForTheCritics.com : When will new pieces be available or released?

FF : I am trying to have something released in time for the start of each season. I’ll be doing a couple of Fall items which are only available to Flyght Club Premium members. A few jackets, some limited shir ts, and I have ideas for a couple of collaborate pieces lined up for the near future. Just keep an eye out.

ForTheCritics.com : Do you currenly have a look book where we can view your vision for the brand?

FF: It’s currently in the works.

ForTheCritics.com : Which stores can we find the line?

FF: I’ve been in contact with boutiques in D.C., Cleveland, Atlanta, Chicago, Philly, New York, Miami, San Francisco and the U.K., so I’m working to get the brand in each of those markets but for now you can expect to be able to cop at Timebomb or Soul II Sole.