designer spotlight: baruti libre of libre brand – freedom of flyness

Meet designer, entrepreneur, and scholar, Baruti Libre (pictured above) of Libre Brand: Freedom of Flyness.  I was fortunate to speak over the phone with the warm spirited, humble, inspiring, and extremely insightful Baruti, discussing not only the vision behind his brand, but the importance of cultural awareness, liberation and much more!  Libre Brand is about instilling this sense of confidence in customers and further, a brand that caters to kings and queens who desire to move outside of cultural norms and make strides towards change within society. Check out my interview with Baruti, below!

 
By Aliyah Blackmore, AFROPUNK Contributor

Name: Baruti Libre

Location: Jersey City, New Jersey

Occupation: Entrepreneur, Designer, Innovator and Scholar

Where were you born and did your neighborhood or up bringing inspire you in any way?

I was born in Jersey City, New Jersey and I do still reside here.  I would say that my surroundings inspire me in many ways. My neighborhood is very diverse and heterogeneous and I would say that it translates into my cultural awareness and desire to learn about and immerse myself in different cultures. During my collegiate years, I began to heavily learn about different philosophical perspectives, ethnicities, artwork, and intersection of many cultures further inspired me to create Libre Brand-Freedom of Flyness.

How would you describe your own style?

I would say that my style is vintage, elegant, retro and Afrocentric.  

What artists/music/designers inspire you?

Well candidly speaking, I do not consciously and deliberately get a lot of inspiration from music or artists as it relates to my clothing designs… I just sort of do what I do–but I would say I pull a lot of inspiration from studying history and culture, different social movements, decolonization movements, different struggles, revolutions, and much more. I apply a lot of inspiration from history and culture to my clothing and the brand.

What inspired you to begin Libre Brand?

I always wanted to get involved in clothing and various industries—when I graduated from college in 2012. The concepts of liberty, liberation and freedom compelled me are the ideals that define LiBRE BRAND…All of us humans are inspired by the concept of freedom even though different cultures have different interpretations of what freedom is.

What is the meaning or importance of freedom to you?

Freedom is extremely important and quintessential for life because if one doesn’t have freedom, then one isn’t living..

What are you looking forward to for the future of your brand?

I am looking forward to more development and growth.  The Brand has various components that include event planning, lecture series, and community service. The plan is to have Libre become a global movement creating opportunities for people for the next generation. And, further, having events on a continual basis globally– whether music, education, history or art.

Instagram: @barutilibre and @librebrand

Facebook: Libre Brand

Site: http://www.librebrand.com/

Tumblr: librebrand

Twitter : barutilibre

**Follow Aliyah on Instagram @aliyahblkmre and on her blog echoesofnoise.squarespace.com