With so much darkness and melancholy in fashion today, come join us and get lost in the ethereal, jewel toned world of artist, eyewear and accessory designer, Stevie Boi. Since a pair of his SB Shades eyewear was featured on a 2012 cover of Vogue magazine, shot by famed photographer Steven Meisel, his upward ascent has been steady, largely in part of his ostentatiously chic annual eyewear collections.
With his latest foray in sneaker design in collaboration with Koio Collective, and the May 14th opening of his very own flagship pop-up store in New York, Stevie Boi fills us in with an exclusive QG interview. Check it out below!
QG: What inspired you to start?
Stevie Boi: I wanted to do something better than just go to work everyday. I am so sick of hearing the same story of people living a life that they wish they never had to live. Its not easy to live your dreams, but many people miss out on huge opportunity’s and blessings due to the lack of faith.
QG: What keeps you motivated?
Stevie Boi: I want a family one day. I am working this hard to build a foundation and also trying to keep a legacy only my family will be able to withstand.
QG: What does your craft mean to you?
Stevie Boi: My craft means evolution. What I do isn’t considered simply “design” I also create art work. I like to make sure when I am creating I put everything into it.
QG: Who is one of your inspirations?
Stevie Boi: One of my inspirations is my environment. My atmosphere is what makes me. I cant be in a terrible area and trying to design, then it would lead me to creating terrible things. I have to be in an area with minimal noise and no chaos.
QG: When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?
Stevie Boi: As soon as I saw my friend Richie Rich come out at the end of one of his runway shows, I realized that I can do this with a different flare.
QG: How would you define your personal style?
Stevie Boi: My personal style is changing but its mostly dark. I wear all black because its just a lazy way to get around color matching.
QG: What is your favorite thing about your career?
Stevie Boi: The fact that I get to travel the world and meet new people. I have been traveling all my life due to my military family but traveling as an adult has its perks.
QG: What advice would you give to someone who would like to start a business?
Stevie Boi: Do not start doing anything without the proper research and a solid financial plan.
QG: What is the most important thing to you about your brand?
Stevie Boi: The most important thing to me about my brand is that it touches people. I didn’t realize the affect of my image and my products had on people. I was told that it gives people personal confidence to be more edgy and themselves.
QG: Any pregame rituals?
Stevie Boi: Not really.
QG: What is a random and interesting fact about yourself?
Stevie Boi: I worked for the US military and have special training in license for over 30 weapons and I know how to drive 3 tanks.
QG: Where do you want to be in 5 years?
Stevie Boi: I want a successful career but most importantly I would love to be married and have 2 children.
Stay connected with Stevie Boi Instagram @sbshades and Twitter @StevieB0i
To learn more about Stevie Boi, check out his bio below:
Stevie Boi is an American fashion designer, actor and founder of the luxury eye-wear line SB Shades. He resides in Baltimore. He designs and sells unisex eye-wear and accessories on his website and in a few boutique stores. Stevie has designed eye-wear for stars such as Lady Gaga ,Beyonce, Madonna, Britney Spears, Katy Perry + many more.
Stevie Boi was born in Augusta, Georgia but raised overseas. He grew up with parents who were in the Army and traveled a lot during his childhood. He started designing in 2007 and quit his job with the military to start his business selling eye-wear.
Boi’s big break was landing his eye-wear on the cover of Vogue magazine in 2012. Since then Boi’s products/designs have been featured in over 500+ publications. He now is preparing to move into TV and film by acting and pursuing costume design.
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