Houston White, a North Minneapolis native was introduced to design at nine years old. This fall, his years of exertions are being injected into an exclusive menswear-inspired brand at Goal – the final word shopping destination for arguably any and everybody. 

White recalls during highschool he would screen print T-shirts together with his mentor – leading him to eventually sell the shirts out of his backpack to make more money. For years, he’s been inspired by his community and the private style he was exposed to since he was a hip-hop-loving kid. Now as an adult, he has launched his eponymous clothing line and continued to make use of fashion as a way of self-expression. 

ESSENCE recently caught up with Houston, in conversation he touched on his biggest inspirations, what fans can expect from his collection, and more. 

ESSENCE: What’s your guiding light and compass that keeps you going?

White: The concept of bringing Black culture forward in a extremely inclusive but high-level way. Black culture, specifically, has a lot influence on world fashion. [My guiding light is figuring out] learn how to pull all those [influences] together and make something latest, and feel fresh, and all the time on time, but yet still timeless.

How necessary is a way of community to the work that you just do as a designer?

It’s extremely necessary. My first fashion week show was ever done in North Minneapolis because that’s how I learned about fashion. My highschool was known for a fashion show [every day] and winning best dressed was probably the most coveted prize. You get your inspiration from [your] community, so it’s my inspiration. It’s where I need to be. It’s just the energy, the vibe is irreplaceable. So [community] is critical.

Are you able to walk us through what inspired you with this Goal collection?

I’ve all the time loved the preppy aesthetic. And so my inspiration was, how do I bridge my living experiences, every thing from Sunday’s best and for those who’re a black individual that went to church, it’s all about bringing your best self every single day. My mom had a major influence on me because she all the time wanted me to be “resh. And so those inspirations of the oldsters that raised me, and the esteem of being Black and presenting yourself well, but then also being a child that grew up in with the emergence of hip-hop and had to combine these worlds between that regal, timeless, ‘60s style, but then add a little bit edge, and a little bit flare, and a little bit fun. It’s American-style reborn, latest classics for those who will.

What are the primary aesthetics and pieces that could be expected on this multiyear brand partnership with Goal?

The primary aesthetic, I might say is timeless American style with [an] Afrocentric, yet futuristic twist. Pieces like vests which have a quilted back. My grandmother used to make quilts, and so this whole collection is about weaving together multiple eras and influences, but in addition multiple cultures too. 

What was it like working with Goal?

The cool thing about it’s the connection built. I believe that’s why this collection got here across so well because we got to know one another. [We didn’t] just dive in and take a look at to be transactional. I got to steer culturally and Goal provided deep knowledge, wisdom, and understanding about what would work and in addition gave me help to construct relationships with so many alternative folks that [helped] bring this collection to life. 

Shop the Houston White x Goal Collaboration here.