Fashion Director and Underwear Designer, Bryant Deberry sits down with Joshua J. Pinkay to discuss Digital Age and his brand NFINIT Underwear.
In this day and age, it’s not about how much you know. It’s how well you can obtain accurate and valuable information and cascade it through the correct channels for people to see value in it.
– Bryant Deberry, Founder of NFINIT Underwear
Shirt GUCCI
Tie TOM FORD
Sweater Blazer SUN + STONE
Sweater H&M
Trousers TOM FORD
Shoes ZARA
Full Look SCOTCH & SODA
Denim Jacket INC at MACYS
Necklace STYLIST’S OWN
Pant/Sneakers ZARA
Beanie/Socks URBAN OUTFITTERS
Jacket STANDARD/CLOTH at URBAN OUTFITTERS
Full Look MICHAEL KORS
Bryant Deberry Interview
When did you first understand what fashion was as a concept? Was there a particular moment or trend that stood out to you?
My first understanding of fashion as a concept was when fashion editorials were in my teenage years, inspiring me in magazines.
I wanted to be a writer of novels and poetry, the latter of which I often practice. But when looking at the editorials, I sensed many words among the images. Strings of words that didn’t need structure spoke to me very clearly.
That’s what I aim for in any editorial I’ve planned —the message behind the image. I want people to feel that.
One particular fashion moment that stood out to me was my first introduction to Oumlil (@oumlil_rtw).
I remember seeing his designs in 2012. The mix of fabrics, structured designs, and daring colors while remaining grounded all worked together well. Seeing how he’s evolved as a designer with attention to construction shows appreciation and respect for fashion design.
That’s what fashion should do, give you moments you’ll never forget because you feel connected to design. As humans, we are naturally drawn to design, and it’s beautiful when we see that feeling resonates with us through any form of art.
You’ve taken your role as Fashion Director seriously, and it shows in your dedication from an editorial standpoint. What is your thought process when researching trends and direction for the magazine?
I think of functionality, structure, technique, and imagination when researching trends. These things, combined with an understanding of our audience, make for trend reports that allow people to see details that resonate with them.
As we know, some techniques aren’t straightforward, and it’s helpful to point them out for viewers to gain a new or confirmed appreciation for fashion as expression and art.
There is often more than what meets the eye at first glance.
Do you have a favorite issue or story at OBVIOUS you’d like to share?
My favorite issue featured lead actors of the series Love At First Night, Kyle Price (@kp_official1) and Ramad Carter (@its_ramad). In addition, I was also given the opportunity to interview the creator of the show, Terry Torrington (@terrytorro). I thought this was a special issue because the synergy and being a fan of the show made it much more memorable.
If you could style and put anyone you wanted on the cover of OBVIOUS, who would that be and why?
If I were given the opportunity to style and place anyone on the cover of OBVIOUS, it would be Emil Wilbekin (@emilwilbekin). I think it’s incredible that someone can be a living example of what it means to live out loud.
He is making a change in real-time. His work for the LGBTQ+ community is monumental and will go down in history.
With his foundation, Native Son (@nativesonnow), he has managed to create a safe space that embraces people regardless of their background or experience.
When I see the messages from Native Son come across my socials, I am gently reminded that I belong. I think that’s what people are looking for, and it’s a kind gesture to be affirmed in who you are, as you are.
What are you most excited about as OBVIOUS transitions into a broader digital space?
I am excited about this digital space. With the OBVIOUS Table hosted by William Chino Thornton (@chinoiam) debuting on September 27, 2022, I think this is a great stepping stone for the magazine. The audio/visual space is something that I’ve been looking forward to.
I am also excited about the way information will be curated. In this day and age, it’s not about how much you know. It’s how well you can obtain accurate and valuable information and cascade it through the correct channels for people to see value in it.
You have to be able to manage the “noise “to get the right tone and voice. I believe OBVIOUS is in the perfect place at the perfect time to harness this power.
You’re pursuing your entrepreneurial endeavors with NFINIT Underwear. Tell us about the brand and what made you want to create it.
I’ve always wanted to own my own business since a teenager. I wanted to present something that was more about a personal connection to self. I remembered a forgotten dream of wanting to start a men’s underwear line and decided just to start. That’s how NFINIT (@nfinit_underwear), (www.nfinitwear.com) came to life.
I want people to feel that anything is possible and that they are worthy, no matter what facet of themselves is showing up. That’s why I say, “You are NFINIT.” No one is one thing, and people are embracing this.
I want people to believe in themselves and feel confident. NFINIT is a gentle reminder of this, no matter what you are looking to achieve.
Stay Connected With Bryant Deberry
www.nfinitwear.com
Instagram @bdeb37 and @nfinit_underwear
Bryant Deberry Cover
Team
Model: Bryant Deberry @bdeb37
Photography: Harvey Jackson @_harvey_jackson
Grooming/Wardrobe Stylist: Jerris Madison @jerrismogul
Retoucher: Maksim Tomakh @tomakh_retouch
Coat H&M @hm_man / @hm
Shoes ZARA @zara
Shirt Tom Ford @tomford
Trousers Alexander McQueen (@alexandermcqueen)
Crossbody Bag Pamoja @pamojabags
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