Langston Hughes alluded to a dream shivering up when deferred, like a raisin in the sun. More inspirational is what happens when a dream isn’t deferred, but taken with all seriousness. Nobody personifies that more than designer, Stevie Boi. Once a freelance model in New York, he took his dreams in his own hands and planted the seeds that resulted in a phenomenal sunglasses line called SB Shades. Superstars like Lady Gaga, Fergie, Jeffree Starr and more have all been caught rocking his shades and Stevie Boi is now branching out to accessories and anything else he can harvest in fashion. Now, that the seed of a dream is blossoming so quickly, it’s a wonder how I got to catch up with Stevie Boi and talk Grace Jones, style, and copycats.

Art Nouveau: How did you fall in love with design and fashion?

Stevie Boi: Great question! Just two or three years ago I was modeling. I loved being in-front of the camera, but hated the way I was being shot by photographers. So, I decided to become a photographer and express my visions. Then, I decided ‘Wow I’m great at this, but now i want to get into designing because I don’t really like what I’m shooting’. A couple of days after that decision I picked up the camera, put it on a tripod, and started modeling in my own clothing and shades.

AN: How was it like growing up? Did you get teased?

SB: I had an amazing childhood. I was bullied and teased for being different, but it didn’t affect me that much at that age. Now, looking back, I cherish the moments I had with my family because they got me through a lot.

AN: What was the moment where you knew your life was going to change through your designs?

SB: About 3 months into designing and establishing the “SBshades” brand, I was contemplating on quitting my military job; I was making over 60,000 a year and had the ability to live off some funds for six months. I quit my job and literally went directly into business mode. It was seriously the best decision of my life. The first six months of my business I pulled in over $250,000 dollar and I was destined to make this my life.

AN: Explain how Lady Gaga got ahold of your eye-wear!

SB: Wow. It was meant to be. I started going into offices of Vogue and Elle, dropping off products. Many stylists from the magazines passed my pieces off to hers [stylists] and then it took off from there.

AN: What’s a dream celebrity that you’d love to see wearing your eyewear, who hasn’t already?

SB: Grace Jones. My world!

AN: What’s some advice that you would give to up and coming designers?

SB: I would definitely tell any up and coming artist three things. First, come into this business ready to fail. Second, do not start anything without research and creating a financial plan. Third, be true to yourself,  be your biggest critic.

AN: Define style.

SB: Hm, I can definitely define that style is a five letter word. It’s something that only you can define.

AN: What’s something you can’t live without?

SB: I cannot, repeat, cannot live without my iPAD, phone & of course SBshades.

AN: What inspires your designs the most?

SB: The most inspiration I get from designing is sitting in my Baltimore city loft and listening to the sounds of the city. Sometimes, I have a glass of wine and just let my mind linger. I can never really explain how I do what I do.

AN: What can supporters of SBshades expect in the near future?

SB: So far, I just released my worldwide commercial! in which is being played in Russia, Asia & UK on ‘Fashion TV’.

AN: Where will Stevie Boi be in 10 years?

SB: Stevie Boi in ten years will be with his mentor Michael Antonio & Anna Dello Russo, drinking margaritas at Stephano Gabbans house in Milan. I’m serious, I made plans.

AN: There’s a lot of eyewear designers, how do you feel about the competition?

SB: I do not have any competition. At this point in my career, after being featured in over 247 publications, I’ve noticed how much potential and belief people have in my product. I am very secure at knowing that I am a winner in this field and the best at it.

Stevie Boi has infiltrated the fashion community and has made firm roots that won’t be shaken. Love it or hate it, you have to respect the seed that continues to flourish.

Related Posts: