Entrepreneur Spotlight: Jackson Harlem

Award-winning Author/ Menswear Designer/Speaker AND friend Jackson Harlem took the time to sit down and answer a few questions that I had for him regarding his ICONIC line of eyewear: JACK ICONS. The known introverted workaholic gave me the opportunity and also the privilege to work with him back in 2007 when he was known for his menswear, poetry and also his publishing of two poetry collections: "Black Boy Juice" and "My Southern Fried Affair".  Now working on bigger ventures such as "Eat and Prey: The Harlem Manifesto" along with celebrities spotted sporting the ever so popular ICONS, he sits to explain what brought about the conception of the eyewear and what they mean to him.

GG: Jackson, you are the designer of JACK Icons. Can you introduce us to your collection ? How you can define your frames ?

JH: JACK Icons are the official eyewear of the JACK By Jackson Harlem brand. They feature an oversized silhouette of a wayfarer design and come in an array of colors and patterns. I describe JACK Icons as my burqa. They keep me protected and allow me to hide in public.

GG: What is the history behind JACK Icons?

JH: JACK Icons were birthed out of my need to hide trauma. A cadre of young artists and I were recruited into this private organization that operates within the entertainment industry. At one of their grandiose events in 2008, I met an eyewear developer by the name of Ronnie Marcsen who later taught me resin molding and I turned my 2007, one-off sunglasses into a full, streamlined collection.

The same night I met Ron, my friends and I discovered what this organization was about, but it was too late to really back out and leave the event. That night went to hell. Days later, I turned to my oversized sunglasses as a coping mechanism. I found strength in hiding behind what later became the JACK Icons. And that strength is molded into each and every pair.

GG: I know that you are the stylist of your brand. Could you explain to us the definition behind the names and colors of your ICONS?

JH: I always weave my personal narrative into the literature and menswear I create, so the JACK Icons are given names like "Suicide", "Pain", and "Blackout" to reference the traumatic situations my friends and I found ourselves in that also correlate to each JACK Icon's unique design.

I saw a friend guy of mine completely black out after being drugged at the event I mentioned. That memory inspired "Blackout". The emotion surrounding that memory is what I wanted to hide. JACK Icons allowed me to hide the agony of that memory while maneuvering through college life.

GG: You've fit celebrities with ICONS in the past. Who have you fit? What were their favorite colors? Do you have any favorite celebrities you've been able to meet through your job?

JH: My favorite celebrities are the everyday 9-5 men and women who care little to nothing about fashion. I've been blessed to have the support of many people I really respect in music and fashion. Gayle King’s former stylist Andre Austin, rappers Big K.R.I.T and Kamikaze, R&B duo RecognitioN, stylists Rudy Reed and LaureNicole, and now Flo Rida’s new artist, Stayc Reign from the song “Wild Ones” are all currently wearing them. I'm currently creating exclusives for several new pop groups and R&B singers at the moment as well.

GG: What about hair color and skin tone? Which color ICONS work best for blondes, brunettes, redheads, etc?

JH: BLACKOUT seems to work best for most hair colors. I'd recommend brunettes consider something bolder like HARDCORE, whereas redheads could go for POISON to really punch up the contrast.

JACK Icon's bold, classic shape allows you to stand out without being eccentric, so I'd recommend selecting the JACK Icons that most often accentuate your hair, personal style, and wardrobe.

GG: Any quick tips on taking care of your ICONS so they will last?

JH: Keeping the JACK Icons on your face is the best protection. Keeping them in the sleeve or casket they arrive in is a swell idea, too. And never let anyone borrow them.

GG: What has satisfied you about the ICONS collection this year?

JH: The most exciting aspect of my work is sharing it with the men and women who support me. Hearing the stories of people getting complimented not on just the eyewear, but how the JACK Icons amplify their style and become a conversation piece are the most satisfying facets of what I do.

Also, being able to give people custom colors they've long requested is rewarding as an artisan.

GG: Where we can find your frames ?

JH: JacksonHarlem.com is where they are exclusively sold as well as at S.A. Boutique in Atlanta.