From how the brand picked out their iconic name, Cross Colours founders, Carl Jones & TJ Walker also tell DJ Vlad how they were able to go from a $300,000 debt to a $20 million growth within three days. Originally the clothing line was to be called “Cross Cultures” but was later updated to it’s Cross Colours name after a minor change. After the 1988 film Colors was released, Carl and TJ said that they didn’t want their brand to be connected to the gang movie, so they opted to use the British writing style “colours.” Although the difference between the two would be a letter, he explained that it was imperative to separate any negative feedback that may connect their brand to the film. “At the time the movie Colors [was out] and we didn’t want to have a gang association or any kind of negative connotation with the brand. That was the purpose of spelling the British way.”
In our previous interview, the designers explained how they sacrificed a lot to bring their vision to life, especially Carl who left a lucrative career with Surf Fetish. While the brand got their clothing on stars like Will Smith and other rappers who appeared on Yo! MTV Raps, by the time they headed for a three-day trade show in New York they said the orders were coming in the pounds. Fortunately, the $300,000 they put down for their showcase booth and the overall investment for the show; they ended up leaving with more than they expected.
“At the end of the show, I had to buy luggage for all the orders—and it was orders by the pound.” Carl said, “I took it on the plane with me because I didn’t want to lose my orders and we had close to $20-million in three days.”
Cross Colours Is Coming Back Like SnapBacks See I Recently Brought Karl Kani Gear Last Couple Months Ago Black Clothing Was Stupid Lit Like We Rocked Some Designers Back In The Early 90s Follow By Starter Jackets & Hats Classic Nike Shoes Original Air Jordans LA Gear Etc. I’m Bringing Em Back In 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ Real 9️⃣0️⃣s Baby Never Switched Up On The Culture It’s In My Blood I Live For This
First of all, that green jacket is the truth. Secondly, regarding the snippet about snitching at the end: So many dudes talk about not "snitching" but everyone from Michael Vick to lil Wayne ended up doing time because of something one of their "boys" said or did. So yeah, I think dude would snitch if motivated enough.
We had baggy clothes either it was hand me down clothes from older brother or cousin. Or ma duke bought big clothes so you can grow into it. Ways of surviving the struggle. It ain't prison
Not gonna lie ,as a person graduating from high school during their popularity,being into fashion,a popular person in school,a brotha known for having style: this was FN awwwwwesome!!
Vlad I don’t like your drama interviews However I love the people you interview. Thank you for interviewing my childhood basically Respect And this is why I subscribe
How does a graphic designer have 300k cash? Gotta ask those questions Vlad. Did he save? Earned income? Inheritance? The young entrepreneurs could learn a thing or two
Black folks got into it, and then quickly left it for Tommy Hilfiger. If you want more representation, can't be so quick to bandwagon. But one lesson to be aware of, when they get to the part where they talk about getting swamped with orders and then dealing with the hurdle of fulfilling them, that is a good example of how an entrepreneur can have a great idea, get all kinds of feedback and demand from the public for it, but due to the problems that come with getting an idea into fruition, they often times lose out on it. As they said, they suddenly found themselves in the same position as Guess when it came to the size of the orders they needed to meet. And that's was their most precarious moment because, being so new, they could have easily been turned down for credit and been forced to get help from an established company like Guess. And then that would have lead to Guess leveraging their position to become a majority owner of it. Which there are many examples of such things leading to the originator of an idea eventually losing all control of it. You can look at the history of the original creators of McDonald's or the man who invented in-line skates (roller blades). The story of McDonald's is really fascinating, and heartbreaking. ( check out the movie "The Founder" with Michael Keaton) That's why you got to give respect for anybody who can start their own business and keep it going. It takes so much more than a good idea.
Best fashion time ever.
Since the days of Cross Colours I still fw all my brothers- Roc Marciano (God Loves You)
I remember rocking those in the 90's very well made, fashionable, never faded, ahead of it's time.. I still love and wear baggy clothes
Long Live CxC !! Wore the Colours jeans back in High School in 94. Still Love their gear !!
What about Slick Jumpers and Damage
Crazy that I seen this when it first dropped.. back four years later lol
Cross Colours Is Coming Back Like SnapBacks See I Recently Brought Karl Kani Gear Last Couple Months Ago Black Clothing Was Stupid Lit Like We Rocked Some Designers Back In The Early 90s Follow By Starter Jackets & Hats Classic Nike Shoes Original Air Jordans LA Gear Etc. I’m Bringing Em Back In 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ Real 9️⃣0️⃣s Baby Never Switched Up On The Culture It’s In My Blood I Live For This
They were and still are the best clthing i just purchased a pair of jeans and overalls
Where can I get some new cross colour gear in Toronto Canada?
I still have some Cross Colour shirts! Lol!
Please Vlad “no belts in prison” lmao
Vlad doing good with these sterling interviews.
Yo, thank you brothers. ❤
Such an Awesome story!
I make urban clothing hmu guys
imagine how much that stuff they "didn't like" is worth now..
Thank you for this interview VLAD
Krillin on the right
Living Legends!
Are they lovers?
David Banner!
First of all, that green jacket is the truth. Secondly, regarding the snippet about snitching at the end: So many dudes talk about not "snitching" but everyone from Michael Vick to lil Wayne ended up doing time because of something one of their "boys" said or did. So yeah, I think dude would snitch if motivated enough.
They were on line for that black culture. Look at Hip Hop today.
We had baggy clothes either it was hand me down clothes from older brother or cousin. Or ma duke bought big clothes so you can grow into it. Ways of surviving the struggle. It ain't prison
I had a wild looking cross colours hooded trench coat and leather Africa medallion lol.
Shout out to these guys.
High school jeans
Not gonna lie ,as a person graduating from high school during their popularity,being into fashion,a popular person in school,a brotha known for having style: this was FN awwwwwesome!!
They flew across the country from Cali to NY to study NYC street fashion. They are not originators in my opinion…
I remember having their cloths as a kid.
Motivational as FUCK.
Harry Belafonte on the right! And David Banner!
I meant Thelma’s husband Keith from Good Times…
Clarence Thomas and Sedale Threatt
That jacket is fly.
Will Smith made these guys big too when he wore it on fresh prince
No limit clothing was dope too
The black money pit. The black plite
They are both extremely good looking
Vlad I don’t like your drama interviews
However I love the people you interview.
Thank you for interviewing my childhood basically
Respect
And this is why I subscribe
This was dope
Thank you fellas
D.L. Hughley used to wear their brand back on BET Comic View.
How does a graphic designer have 300k cash? Gotta ask those questions Vlad. Did he save? Earned income? Inheritance? The young entrepreneurs could learn a thing or two
Black folks got into it, and then quickly left it for Tommy Hilfiger.
If you want more representation, can't be so quick to bandwagon.
But one lesson to be aware of, when they get to the part where they talk about getting swamped with orders and then dealing with the hurdle of fulfilling them, that is a good example of how an entrepreneur can have a great idea, get all kinds of feedback and demand from the public for it, but due to the problems that come with getting an idea into fruition, they often times lose out on it.
As they said, they suddenly found themselves in the same position as Guess when it came to the size of the orders they needed to meet. And that's was their most precarious moment because, being so new, they could have easily been turned down for credit and been forced to get help from an established company like Guess. And then that would have lead to Guess leveraging their position to become a majority owner of it. Which there are many examples of such things leading to the originator of an idea eventually losing all control of it. You can look at the history of the original creators of McDonald's or the man who invented in-line skates (roller blades). The story of McDonald's is really fascinating, and heartbreaking. ( check out the movie "The Founder" with Michael Keaton)
That's why you got to give respect for anybody who can start their own business and keep it going. It takes so much more than a good idea.