Wonderland Collection Eyewear by Malachi Artese

How did you start designing eye wear pieces?
I have tons of shades …different brands, colors, and even shapes. When you shop its hard to find a pair of shades that you are in love with and complete you. So you spend hundreds of dollars as soon as you find those special frames that you like. A friend and I were sitting in my apartment one day when stated that I should start making shades, and from that day it was history.

Do you make other accessories?
I am actually working on my second collection which is entitled, “WONDERLAND”. I want to step outside of the box and bring fashion to the lives of everyone. Basically, I want everyone to imagine what they are afraid to wear and actually wear it. I will be designing shoulder pads, necklaces, and even top hats now. I want to take it to a place that I have never taken it before.

I‘ve seen some of your eye wear pieces and they are very edgy! Are you inspired by other edgy eye wear designers like Coco & Breezy and Stevie Boi?
I’ve been designing for about 5 months now. I heard of Coco & Breezy about a month after I started. Stevie Boi, I heard of maybe 2.5 months after I started. I believe we all have similar vibes but I would never say that they inspire me. I believe in being an individual. I try to stay away from the connection between us three and work on Malachi Artese as a designer. So the answer would be no.

What kind of person would you like to see wearing your designs?
I believe my target market is everyone. I would not say that anyone in particular is my target audience. There are people whom I would like to see in my work but it’s not a big deal to me. I do it for the love not the fame. I would like to see people such as Dawn Richards, Teyana Taylor, and even Lady Gaga in my items. I try to remain humble and maybe it will come into play one day.

Do you work with anybody else when producing your pieces?
It may be hard to believe but I do not work with anyone. I don’t have any assistance or even a team. I believe the best way to work as a designer is solo.

Where do you see your brand 5-10 years down the line?
I see my self being a household name. I already have some huge things in the works, so hopefully things work out as I step into my second collection.

To purchase pieces from Malachi’s collection visit his site: http://www.malachiartese.com/

Photography: Bryan Whitely

MUA: KaoriNik

To connect with Malachi Artese please visit his sites:
http://www.facebook.com/MalachiArtese
http://www.malachiartese.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/MalachiArtese