Caramente Clothing Line
Brianna Prescott, a Philadelphia native is the CEO and designer of Caramente Clothing. Caramente was a name given to her by her Nonno (grandfather in Italian). Caramente is a beautiful word with two different meanings. In one sense, Caramente means "sweet faced" and in Italian it means "expensively." In 2007, this was the inspiration for naming her brand. Brianna Prescott and her team are all under 25 years old and learning the fashion business hands-on while trying to fulfill their dreams. Head to Toe sat down to learn more about this amazing entrepreneur and her brand!
Head to Toe: How did you get started?
Brianna: When I was 16 years old, I asked my Nonno Pino (grandfather in Italian) to give me a beautiful name that meant "sweet, beautiful ,lovely" something like that. He said "Caramente" and right there I KNEW that was the name. Rather then going with my name, I took a chance because it just clicked. I did t-shirts then I took a break and got serious when I was 19. Thats when I started working with a lot of Philadelphia artists and fashion designers.
Head to Toe: You and your team are only under 25. How did you all get started? What has this experience been like?
Brianna: Well, its truly not a walk in the park. But, my girls truly get it done! Without them, I wouldn't be
really pushing as hard. They all know fashion and business naturally. We all are so young but so driven!!! I am very blessed.
Head to Toe: Being so young, how did you develop your business expertise? How did you know what to do?
Brianna: Truly, it came naturally but sometimes it did not. I paid my dues alot especially in my city in Philadelphia. My father taught me alot to be realistic about things and so did my grandparents. I am also a business major in college now, so it truly helps knowing business as a whole rather then jumping and getting a degree in fashion.
Brianna: When I was 16 years old, I asked my Nonno Pino (grandfather in Italian) to give me a beautiful name that meant "sweet, beautiful ,lovely" something like that. He said "Caramente" and right there I KNEW that was the name. Rather then going with my name, I took a chance because it just clicked. I did t-shirts then I took a break and got serious when I was 19. Thats when I started working with a lot of Philadelphia artists and fashion designers.
Head to Toe: You and your team are only under 25. How did you all get started? What has this experience been like?
Brianna: Well, its truly not a walk in the park. But, my girls truly get it done! Without them, I wouldn't be
really pushing as hard. They all know fashion and business naturally. We all are so young but so driven!!! I am very blessed.
Head to Toe: Being so young, how did you develop your business expertise? How did you know what to do?
Brianna: Truly, it came naturally but sometimes it did not. I paid my dues alot especially in my city in Philadelphia. My father taught me alot to be realistic about things and so did my grandparents. I am also a business major in college now, so it truly helps knowing business as a whole rather then jumping and getting a degree in fashion.
Head to Toe: Have you found people that do not take you seriously because of your age?
Brianna: YES! ABSOLUTELY! Many people when they first meet me think I'm way older because he or she talked to me online or over the phone. They get so surprised that I am just 21, so they try to take advantage or play a game to see what they can get out especially free stuff.
Head to Toe: What has been your biggest obstacle?
Brianna: Actually, finding "Caramente's particular look and lifestyle". I had to make sure I was showing my clothing line the right way and the right audience. Truly took some time to find that.
Head to Toe: When did you first discover your passion for the fashion industry?
Brianna: I just wanted to do something different. My styles through out my life is ever changing, so I felt that I can really do my own clothing line for all types of ages, bodies and styles.
Head to Toe: What is a typical day at work for you like?
Brianna: It is truly never ending. Especially when my clothing line is branding and expanding so much. We do not want to be known in one particular area or city. We truly see this company reaching a broader audience.
Head to Toe: What is your inspiration for this line?
Brianna: My inspiration for this Fall 2014 collection is the beauitful Tejano singer Selena Quintanialla but in a standard and up to beat type of way. Bold lip with alot of see through black and gold fabrics. My other spring 2013 collection is inspired by Mermaids.
Head to Toe: Who are your fashion icons?
Brianna: Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Zac Posen and Gianni Versace
Head to Toe: What are fashion do's and dont's in your opinion?
Brianna: Do- be yourself! Don't try to look like someone you are not, be yourself!
Do- a great maxi skirt is great for ALL sizes
Don't - wear tight jeans that are wayyy to tight.
Head to Toe: How do you stay motivated and positive?
Brianna: Motivated and positivity is by my Lord Savior Jesus Christ. He truly works his wonders. Praying is key especially when having your own business. But, I am also motivated by music. When I design a collection or sew I am always listening to a certain genera of music.
Head to Toe: If you could meet one fashion legend, alive or dead, who would it be?
Brianna: Michael Jackson. He is one of my main inspirations even in fashion. Just his persona alone is inspirational. Many people do not know that Michael Jackson was one of the first artists that ever worked with Gianni Versace in the early 1980's.
Head to Toe: What are your future plans for your brand?
Brianna: Right now its truly branching and branding our company. We are showing our clothing to the masses in New York City. We are having a beautiful event promoted and working with Urban Gypsy. She is truly amazing and I want to thank her for the opportunity because every event she does is to the 9's !! But, the event is at Toshi's Living Room & Penthouse on July 27th. Its Free, so everyone come and see our Fall 2014 collection!
Brianna: YES! ABSOLUTELY! Many people when they first meet me think I'm way older because he or she talked to me online or over the phone. They get so surprised that I am just 21, so they try to take advantage or play a game to see what they can get out especially free stuff.
Head to Toe: What has been your biggest obstacle?
Brianna: Actually, finding "Caramente's particular look and lifestyle". I had to make sure I was showing my clothing line the right way and the right audience. Truly took some time to find that.
Head to Toe: When did you first discover your passion for the fashion industry?
Brianna: I just wanted to do something different. My styles through out my life is ever changing, so I felt that I can really do my own clothing line for all types of ages, bodies and styles.
Head to Toe: What is a typical day at work for you like?
Brianna: It is truly never ending. Especially when my clothing line is branding and expanding so much. We do not want to be known in one particular area or city. We truly see this company reaching a broader audience.
Head to Toe: What is your inspiration for this line?
Brianna: My inspiration for this Fall 2014 collection is the beauitful Tejano singer Selena Quintanialla but in a standard and up to beat type of way. Bold lip with alot of see through black and gold fabrics. My other spring 2013 collection is inspired by Mermaids.
Head to Toe: Who are your fashion icons?
Brianna: Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Zac Posen and Gianni Versace
Head to Toe: What are fashion do's and dont's in your opinion?
Brianna: Do- be yourself! Don't try to look like someone you are not, be yourself!
Do- a great maxi skirt is great for ALL sizes
Don't - wear tight jeans that are wayyy to tight.
Head to Toe: How do you stay motivated and positive?
Brianna: Motivated and positivity is by my Lord Savior Jesus Christ. He truly works his wonders. Praying is key especially when having your own business. But, I am also motivated by music. When I design a collection or sew I am always listening to a certain genera of music.
Head to Toe: If you could meet one fashion legend, alive or dead, who would it be?
Brianna: Michael Jackson. He is one of my main inspirations even in fashion. Just his persona alone is inspirational. Many people do not know that Michael Jackson was one of the first artists that ever worked with Gianni Versace in the early 1980's.
Head to Toe: What are your future plans for your brand?
Brianna: Right now its truly branching and branding our company. We are showing our clothing to the masses in New York City. We are having a beautiful event promoted and working with Urban Gypsy. She is truly amazing and I want to thank her for the opportunity because every event she does is to the 9's !! But, the event is at Toshi's Living Room & Penthouse on July 27th. Its Free, so everyone come and see our Fall 2014 collection!
The Caramente Line has worked with many musical artists in the Philadelphia area including Prodigy from Mindless Behavior, DJ Damage, Gillie Tha Kid, Young Savage, Tone Trump,Peedi Crakk, Young Pooh and many more.Working alongside Jassiac Sloan, a pro motorcrosser, and the late young comedian, Freddy E., Caramente Clothing has been featured in premier fashion shows, including: Charlie Mack’s Celebrity Fashion Show, VH1’s Mama Jones Fashion Show, Juelz Santana Fashion Show and Von Alexandria’s Masquerade Fashion Show. One of Caramente's most noteworthy achievements so far is our nomination as Best Designer in Philadelphia by Urban Celebrity. Brianna was the only and youngest female nominated for the prestigious award.
Although Caramente is known for producing young women’s apparel, we also focus on creating one-of-a-kind customized jean jackets, jeans, and vests for both genders. These jackets are produced with the environment in mind using recycled jean material which Brianna spends hours reworking in order to express the client's own personal fashion sense.
Currently, Caramente Clothing is looking to expand the line to major markets outside of the Philadelphia and New York areas. These markets include Miami, Boston, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Chicago, and London. We are also making efforts to shift the brand's focus away from urban wear and more toward luxe couture attire for both men and women.
Although Caramente is known for producing young women’s apparel, we also focus on creating one-of-a-kind customized jean jackets, jeans, and vests for both genders. These jackets are produced with the environment in mind using recycled jean material which Brianna spends hours reworking in order to express the client's own personal fashion sense.
Currently, Caramente Clothing is looking to expand the line to major markets outside of the Philadelphia and New York areas. These markets include Miami, Boston, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Chicago, and London. We are also making efforts to shift the brand's focus away from urban wear and more toward luxe couture attire for both men and women.
For more information, to see Caramente's latest look book, place an order, or inquire about custom-made clothing, visit www.caramenteclothing.com