The
Marc Clark, the creative genius behind the The Marcc Collection is by no means a rookie. He’s worked, lived and breathed fashion for over ten years. He’s coordinated the hottest fashion events, directed countless fashion shows, managed retail stores, and worked with numerous charity organizations including Teens Count and Russell Simmons Rush Philanthropic Organization.
Clark, who was born and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland sat down with John Simon Daily for an exclusive interview about his company, the fashion business, designing, and much more…
Describe the Marc C clientele?
The marcc customer is confident, innovative and daring. They are trend setters on their own.
Who inspires Marc Clark you?
I am inspired by life, family and art. These three sources inspire me because they each bring a
different type of energy and viewpoint into my everyday life.
Do you think about the wearer when creating your designs?
Yes, of course. I always keep my customers in my mind when creating because they are the ones
who are wearing my collection. I try to create pieces that are sexy, unique and fashion forward just
like they are.
Did you have any formal training as a designer?
No, I do not have any training. I actually graduated with a degree in video production. Designing
just feel into in my life. I have learned just from experience. By putting myself out there and finding
out what works and what does not. Every day I am learning something new in my designing process.
Everyone has their own way of creating and designing and I have discovered my own techniques.
How would you describe your personal style aesthetic? Who are some of your favorite designers?
My personal style is fun, daring and simplistic; if that makes sense. I also love shoes and accessories. I am a huge fan of Marc Jacobs, Raf Simons and Tom Ford. Marc Jacobs is a master mind. You can feel his creative energy in his garments which I admire a lot. Raf Simons is a genius at creating edgy and fashion forward garments. He is not afraid to take risk and use color, shapes and different aspects of designing that many other designers don’t think about or are scared to do. Tom Ford, need I say more. His suits and his tailoring are in a galaxy of their own.
What does the bowtie designing job entail?
Every bowtie broche is skillfully handmade by myself. It’s no secret that I am a perfectionist. So, it takes having a very keen eye for precession and detail. I stand 110% behind the quality of all of
my products. I also find it therapeutic when I am designing because I am able to zone out of my surroundings and focus on creating.
What is your most memorable moment as a designer?
I would have to say having Rihanna wearing one of my bowtie brooches. She wore my gold leopard bowtie broche. From that I was featured in Teen Vogue; which is an honor and a blessing.
However, I am looking forward to having many more memorable moments along my journey.
You are launching the Foxtail hat on October 4th, how did you come up with this great idea? Can we expect any other new items in your fall/winter 2010 collection?
Thank you. (big smile) The unisex foxtail hat is a more extravagant expansion of my foxtail collection. The unisex foxtail hat is 100 percent plush luxurious fur encompassing the chic and innovative style of the marcc brand.
What trends are you excited about for the fall?
Fur! I love fur. I think it’s truly immaculate. Fur is making a comeback. My marcc unisex foxtail hats are definitely a trend I am looking forward too.
What are the Marc C price points?
The marcc price points are $40 dollars for the bowtie broche, $50 for the animal print bowtie broche, $65 for a foxtail and $160 for a unisex foxtail hat.
If you weren’t a designer what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t a designer, I would definitely be in the entertainment industry for sure. I would probably be a video or movie producer. I still plan on pursuing that just a later on in life. My goal is to ultimately merge fashion and production into one. I also love to cook. Maybe you might see me on Bravo’s Top Chef one day.
Where do you do most of your designing?
In my office. That is where all the magic happens!
What do you think sets you apart from the other accessories designers?
The quality of my products and the innovative concepts of my brand.
Is there a historical era you most identify with?
I love the Egyptian civilization and its culture. The whole exotic, sexy, powerful and mysterious of their society fascinates me. I wish I would have lived back then. Just imagine it Pharaoh Marcc (laughs) Where’s my time machine when I need it.
Who was the first person to buy one of your pieces?
The first person to purchase any of my products was my mother. From the very beginning she has always been extremely supportive of everything I’ve done. This is a major part of my motivation to be successful in all of my endeavors.
How long does it take to create something like the Uder for Marc C glasses or a bowtie?
The Uder for marcc glasses are from my Spring/Summer 2010 collection. They are handmade in Japan and takes 15 plus hours to make. The bowtie broche is handmade by myself and takes approximately an hour just to make one.
What’s something you never leave the house without?
Something I never leave the house without is my Blackberry, a pair of fly kicks, ChapStick and of course a product from the marcc collection.
What celebs have worn your creations and who else would you love to see in Marc C?
Lady GaGa, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Will.I.Am of The Black Eyed Peas, Actress Taraji P. Henson, Dawn Richard of Diddy’s Dirty Money, Ciara, Diggy Simmons, Angela Simmons, Vanessa Simmons, Estelle, Teyana Taylor, Dondoria.
I would die, matter of fact I would die and roll over in my grave if the great Anna Wintour wore any of my pieces. I am truly one of her biggest fans. Beside Anna I would also love to have Kanye West, Beyoncé, Justin Beiber, Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, The Jonas Brothers, Willow Smith and Disney’s new teen queen Victoria all wear a piece from the marcc collection.
What is the best and worst parts of your job?
The best part of my job is being able to live my dream. Every day I wake up excited and passionate about how I can take marcc to the next level. The worst part. (pauses to think) Well to be honest
there is no worst part because I absolutely love what I do.
Can you give some advice for anyone trying to turn their hobby/craft into a money making
venture?
First you must have a clear and concrete vision. Next you have to have an action plan of where you see yourself in five years and how you plan on getting there. Passion, endurance and resilience are
also key. It is just as important to know who your competition is and what is going to separate you from the rest of the pack.
Are you involved in every aspect of your business or do you have a team?
I am involved and have the final say so in every single decision that involves my brand. I have a wonderful team that assists with the daily operations and running of the marcc brand. My team consists of my Mom’Ager Carmille, VP Dwight Harbin, Personal Assistant Ronald Tolson Jr. and Design Assistant Jessica Rivera.
What are your future plans for the Marc C brand?
Expansion. Within the next couple of years I plan to launch my men’s and women’s apparel line. I also love shoes. So, I hope to follow up with shoes after that.
Visit MarcClark.com for more info on Marcus Clark and to purchase make a purchase.
Speed Round
Beach or Cabin? – Beach, you have to keep it sexy.
Blackberry or iPhone? – Team blackberry all the way!
Beyonce or Ciara? – Beyonce
Facebook or Twitter? – Facebook.
Phone Call or Text? – Text.
MTV or VH1? – MTV.
Basketball or Football? – Football.
Hot or Cold? – Cold.
Washington DC or New York? – New York.
Cheeseburger or Caviar? – A bacon cheeseburger with caviar on the side!!
Pop Music or Hip Hop Music? – Hip Hop.
Marc Jacobs or Marc Ecko? – Marc Jacobs of course! He’s my favorite designer.
Marc C Fall/Winter photos by Bryan Taylor Johnson