#FashionPlug: @CrystalSherie Interviews Fashion Designer @Jasonsosmooth of @Smoothcats401 #ThisisThePlug

Designer: Jason So Smooth

This week on the #FashionPlug we’re plugging you into to a street brand from Rhode Island that’s expanded across the country to California called Smoothcats.  Originally introduced to the brand by a good friend of mine I fell fo rthe quality of their pieces and attention to detail. In fashion, it’s the details that really make the difference and here’s a brand that really understands that. Check them out and tell ‘em who plugged you in! #ThisisThePlug

Tell me a little about your background and where you grew up.

I’m 100% Cape Verdean. I  grew up most of my life in the South Side of Providence for about 27 years with my parents and my two younger brothers.

Tell me a little about your journey, how and when you started this brand. 

As a kid you can say I was sort of a big nerd. I was into everything music, art, basketball, fashion etc.  I can remember telling my closest friend at the time that I wanted to have my own clothing line. I wanted to make clothes that I liked but also make really dope items that people would love. When I got out of high school I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life I just knew I wanted to be able to design something that was my own, something unique, something people can see and say, “Man, that’s some smooth shit.” So around 2013 is when I first started the brand, Smooth Cats. Starting off with screen printing, my first item was a men’s and women’s hoodie and it snow balled after that.

Why Smoothcats? 

When I use to do graffiti my tag name was Smooth and that was also my handle most of my life. People knew me as Smooth or Jason-so-smooth. I wanted to keep it the same. But I didn’t want to just name the brand Smooth, I wanted a good meaning behind it. So to me, when I see someone that I consider smooth I would say, “That’s a Smooth cat right there.” So the name kept ringing to me. I looked online to see if there was anything about Smooth Cats. A definition or anything and to be honest there really wasn’t. I knew this was a good thing because I could carve my own definition and make my own brand, Smoothcat.

“A Smoothcat is someone who has their own style, doesn’t follow trends but sets them,  exudes confidence effortlessly, always polished well kept, charming and pleasant and makes it look easy.”

What’s the inspiration behind your brand?  

I think the freedom I have to create what ever pops in my head,  just being different than the norm, I don’t really like to follow trends. I want to set them.

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career as a designer? 

I just always had a passion for it.  I’m really picky with things,  its weird to say, but I always had an eye for seeing things go together. I love to create my own styles, so I just knew I could make a career out of it.

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career what would it be? 

I would have told myself to start sooner. Overthinking actually holds you back.

What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?

A big role; I think social media is one of the biggest platforms someone can use to show-case their work. It can be viewed worldwide. It’s also a good place to get feedback.

What is your favorite part about being a designer?

Being able to make my vision come to life and getting feedback on my art.

How do you want people to feel when wearing your clothes?

Like, I’m smooth as shit! My clothing isn’t for the masses, its for the smooth. You ever just put on some shit and think: “Oooh, I’ma kill ’em tonight?!” It’s to bring out the inner confidence.

How do you stay up to date regarding fashion?

I actually don’t. Fashion just comes to me. I’m inspired by my surroundings and think creatively. I always think, “How can I make something better?” You shouldn’t be following them; you should be leading them…

How would you describe your personal style?

Smooth! It’s simple. Simplicity goes a long way. It’s the little details that speak volumes.

What is your staple item of clothing or your signature style piece?

The Sunglasses logo. They’re so versatile.

If you could collab with another designer who would it be?

Pharrell because he is timeless. He did a lot, that’s the era that I grew up in.

[For those of you that don’t know he’s behind Billionaire Boys Club and Ice cream clothing lines.]

What do you have coming next? When can we expect your next collection? 

I have a lavender Smooth Angel hoodie out now but more in the works. I like to be conspicuous.

Will you be expanding into women’s clothing? 

Yes. I want to in the future.

Has your move to California changed your style or inspired you into different things? Will you eventually have to drop the 401 from the Smoothcats name?

It hasn’t changed my style but the weather out here restricts you. To be honest with you, I love the 401 in the name because I’m the type of person that I doesn’t ever want to forget my journey in life or where I came from. I love my city.

Anything you would like people to know about you?

I want to be inspirational.  I want people to go for what ever their heart desires because you only have one life to live.

All socials (Instagram, Facebook. Snap, Twitter, Youtube, etc)..

Instagram: @Smoothcats401

Facebook: Smoothcats401

Snapchat: @Jasonsosmooth

Instagram: @Jasonsosmooth 

Twitter: @Jasonsosmooth 

All purchases can be made at www.smoothcats401.com

 DON’T FORGET TO TAG YOURSELF IN SMOOTHCATS APPAREL FOR A CHANCE OT WIN FREE MERCH!

Tell ’em The Plug sent you!