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I don’t know, but I thought long and hard before posting this article on what kind of reactions I would receive. I was curious…so I decided to post it anyway.

I was watching a video on the Myspace page of the Ceo/Owner of Lrg Clothing company one of the fastest growing companies in the United States (Sales in $200 million).

I read a lot about the owner and how he acts on different forums (Hypebeast) and from people who have interviewed him personally and they have all pretty much had negative things to say about him.

Now the above in no way reflects my opinion of him, but I think it could be mere cultural differences or not understanding where he came from to what he is now. Why people could be rubbed the wrong way by his personality.

What got me thinking is an interview I am debating on whether to do or not, which had some questions that have been stereotypes in the fashion industry for years, but they weren’t being brought across in a negative manner in the interview, but kind of reflected upon some words said at the end of the video by the Ceo/founder of Lrg.

Verbatim here is the question from the interview:

AS A YOUTH IT’S HARD FOR YOUNG BLACK MALES TO GET INTO FASHION WITHOUT GETTING CRITICIZED WITH THE USUAL STEREOTYPES FOR EXAMPLE YOU HAVE TO BE GAY TO BE A MALE AND KNOW HOW TO SEW OR JUST TO ENJOY FASHION AS A CAREER PERIOD. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT?

In the question he asked about the stereotype that you have to either be gay or know how to sew. Now my main focus for this article is not on knowing how to sew, but on being gay and what seemed to be sarcastic remarks made by the owner of Lrg clothing and how it could affect your business. ( I will post a link to the video at the bottom)

Now with me knowing/being neither it may seem like I wouldn’t have anything to say, but it just seems like thinking a certain way or making remarks about people’s lifestyle could have a negative affect on your overall business or professional outlook in the apparel industry and that is why he cleaned it up in the end.

I mean if a person thinks you look down upon their lifestyle or think a certain way of how they choose to live wouldn’t that change their opinion about your business and deciding whether or to purchase your clothing being you are the face of your company. It just seems to make perfect sense to me, because I know many people stop buying Tommy Hilfiger when the not true rumors of him being racist toward African Americans were spreaded…it actually had an impact on his overall business and appearance in African Americans eyes.

It would definitely change the press and media outlets that choose to interview your company or give praise to it.

Make sure and watch the video here listen for what Jonas & Ben (Jonas the guy on the left) says at 4:00-4:09 after Ben Baller makes a few remarks about being gay jokingly. Be aware there is flagrant language in the video.

It sounds like he was seriously showing respect, but then again…I don’t know. Just to be known it isn’t about if he was or wasn’t, but if it could affect your business outlook.

What are your opinions on this stereotype or do you not believe your personal beliefs or interest could affect your business if exposed to the public?

Or does it depend on what type of audience your clothing line appeals to on how they will accept your opinion?

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