Sizzler Magazine Features Designer NORMAN JOSEY Of Lockdown International Design

Photographers @benzo.photography @nyc_mars
Makeup @makeupbynashma

Fashion Sizzle NY Fashion Week 2019
Photo : Joe Swift

Following participating in our Fashion Sizzle New York Fashion Week Designer Norman Josey of the fashion Brand Lockdown International Design sat down with model/casting director Kontessa Atkins to give us insight on his brand. Below are behind the scenes photos taken at our Fashion Sizzle Ny Fashion week event. We also did a photo shoot with Norman Josey brand for this issue.

Sizzler Magazine: Hi, thanks for being the first designer to be featured in our

debut issue of our Sizzler Digital Magazine.

Answer : Thanks for picking me to be the first designer to be in Sizzler Magazine. I really am thankful and appreciate it.

Sizzler Magazine. Awesome, so let’s get started what does the name of your brand Lockdown International Design mean and how did you come up with the name ?

Answer : Lockdown International Design represents total freedom of expression , when I was younger I made a bad decision which caused me to be incarcerated . While locked up I started drawing on the prison wall of the cell , a warden came by my cell saw by drawings and told me that either someone will be wearing these dresses or someone is going to be a great designer . Something great came out of a bad situation which I experienced because, when I was released I began designing , then created and named my brand Lockdown International Design . I turned my negative situation into a positive.

Sizzler Magazine. How long have you been a Fashion Designer ?

Answer : I have been creating and designing for 40 plus years, I started designing in 1984.

Sizzler Magazine. What was the inspiration for you to become involved in fashion and become a designer?

Answer : My mother was a head buyer for Macy’s , she was fabulous, very fashionable and beautiful she had style. She knew how to wear clothing that represents herself as a lady. She would often shop out of state so that she would be the only one that would have that particular clothing. She wore furs and dresses and did her hair with such style and grace . I often watched her get ready for parties and events and this was where my first love of fashion happened. My mother , she was so beautiful and fashionable.

Sizzler Magazine. How would you describe your brand ?

Answer : I would describe my brand as profitable, wearable, and likeable. I make clothes that people will wear. That is my aim to make sure someone wants to wear my designs.

Sizzler Magazine. Can you tell us your journey on becoming a fashion designer, were you self taught?

Answer : Yes, I was self taught my blessings and gift comes from God . Though the years I keep getting better and better. I love what I do . You have to love what u do and be inspired to be great.

Sizzler Magazine. Who are the designers that you admire currently.

Answer : I really don’t focus on other designers. I like to keep my designs fresh and original so I DONT WATCH WHAT OTHERS ARE DOING SOTHAT I WON’T be influenced or have their DESIGNS IN MY HEAD. . I don’t pay other designer any mind. If i had to pick one designer it would be the late PATRICK KELLY . HE DID THE BUTTON THING which I thought was creative back in the 70 and 80’s. He was a black designer that was discovered in London , they discovered his talent which opened doors for him being popular in the USA.

Sizzler Magazine. Tell us about the collection that you presented at Fashion Sizzle NY Fashion Week ( inspiration, theme, color palette etc)

Answer That collection was dedicated to my aunt that had passed away long before the show . It was to honor her,

Madam Marie was the name of the collection. I wanted to present a sexy but classy collection. The white pants and sequins tops were inspired by her, she was the first designer in my family. She was my inspiration , I fused a little of her style with my style for the collection. The dresses that were chosen were sexy and wearable, beautiful comfortable stuff. The color palette was mostly yellow , black and white.

Sizzler Magazine: What obstacles are you achieving as a fashion designer if any ?

Answer : It is a lot slower now because of the pandemic , instead of doing 2 pieces at a time now I work on one.

Sizzler Magazine: With the obstacles you have experienced what keeps you going?

Answer. What keeps me going is the thought that something better is coming . Experiencing obstacles is like finding a tree in your road or path . You can respond by either going around it or by chopping it down and moving it out your way . I prefer to chop it down and move it out my way. So what ever obstacles I am experiencing I think about the tree in my path . You have to find a way to keep going and NEVER GIVE UP.

Sizzler Magazine: What do you think needs to be changed about the Fashion Industry?

Answer : The fashion industry needs to open their eyes up to new talent “we are here ” we are talented designers waiting for opportunities. More needs to be done to help fund independent designers and we deserve it. Also models such as yourself also deserve to be seen and hired. They need to just open up the door and let us in. The fashion industry needs to be more inclusive.

Sizzler Magazine. The fashion industry along with many other companies have been affected due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. How has the pandemic affected you and your fashion brand ?

Answer : The pandemic slowed my brand down, people are not really worried about fashion right now , they are worried about their health , and about their loved ones , with me it is the same thing . I have been affected also my cousin lost her baby, another cousin had Covid 19 . It is very hard to be inspired right now but , I manage to pull out a dress here and there to design. I try to not worry so I design to change my thoughts.

Sizzler Magazine : What changes are you making or going to made due to the effects of the pandemic.

Answer : I am grateful to be alive. Just trying to keep myself safe.

Sizzler Magazine : How do you think Covid 19 will change the fashion industry?

Answer : Fashion is about networking and mingling and we can’t do that right now. Many industries will be affected not just fashion, it will be a new world once this passes through.

Sizzler Magazine : What is your vision for you and your brand ?

Answer: To be the best at what I do, continue making clothes that are great quality but for a reasonable price . I want people to wear my clothes and and be admired . I want to be continue to expand my brand and receive more opportunities.

Sizzler Magazine: What advice do you have to give to young designers or anyone think of becoming a fashion designer ?

Answer: In a nutshell stay true to yourself, put god first, stay true to your ideas, be authentic and you won’t fail. Stay the course no matter what is put in your way , life will always have obstacles they make u stronger. Keep pushing.

Sizzler Magazine : How can people contact you?

Answer: Facebook and IG NORMAN JOSEY , my phone number is on facebook I can be contacted there .

Sizzler Magazine : Once again Thank you for being our first designer featured in our digital magazine. We love your designs and think you are a great designer. We will be working with you again in the future.

Answer : Thank u so much for selecting me , can wait to work with you’ll again I had a blast. Thanks again.