Meet Dr. Law Willis of Albert Ray Collection in East Village and Gaslamp

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Law Willis.

Dr. Law, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I served in the US Marine Corps and was stationed at MCAS El Toro (now closed) in Irvine, CA. from 1995-1996 and MCAS Miramar in San Diego, CA. from 1996-1998. Though I arrived from my hometown of Chicago very fashion-forward in my own right, my service in the Marine Corps allowed me to become more in tune to art, music, and fashion from other regions nationally and internationally when I traveled abroad for 6 months of my service.

I served honorably and though San Diego was a second home to me I returned to Chicago to attend college. As I was concluding my undergraduate studies I began creating early iterations of what would ultimately become Albert Ray Collection years later. Over the course of that early period I continued networking and seeking tutelage from the likes of Corey Gilkey (LDRS 1354), Dave Jeff (PHLI), LaVell Sykes & Bobby Simmons (Succezz) and Clint Saulsberry (It’s Made By Clint) to name a few in regard to urban fashion and the areas of art & music that coexist in that space. The nuggets they shared allowed me to garner the support of family and friends to keep growing the brand even while completing my Master’s and Doctoral degrees.

The brand has been blessed to have appeared in Chicago Fashion Week’s Style Bias shows three times and fortify a growing online following as E-commerce has changed the landscape and the retail marketplace. In 2016, I received a professional opportunity to relocate back to San Diego and from that, I was also given an opportunity to be a featured designer in Fashion Week San Diego 2016 under Allison Andrews and her team. Being in those runaway shows reassured me that the brand was on the right track and we have continued to grow the brand to not only include streetwear but also footwear and a women’s online boutique.

The brand lives by the motto…”THE CITY NEEDS US”. We have incorporated that motto in all we do because I believe that every city thrives based on its citizens…its people; Albert Ray Collection is no different…the brand thrives off of the support of the people and being a voice for the people.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being independent is challenging at times and securing the support and confidence of the people especially when stacked against the “majors”, but I love the challenge. In my heart, I know we have a space and platform in this industry and I will continue to fight for that. In addition, I want to continue to create a collection, a brand that my sons will be open to carrying the torch for when I am gone…I want to live and leave a legacy with Albert Ray Collection.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Albert Ray Collection – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Though I was initially against pigeonholing the brand into a particular category…lol, with great reluctance I acknowledge we fall into the streetwear fashion genre that is heavily influenced and infused with art, music, and pop culture.

I am most proud that we have grown on a global scale due to the power of the internet with sales in Japan, France, Switzerland, Canada, and other parts of the world. Additionally, we have fortified relationships with other small businesses and entrepreneurs nationally and internationally to collaborate with on future releases. I believe that the future of business moving forward requires a global footprint even if it is on a small scale.

I think what sets us apart is not just the fashion but our advocacy for social change and using the platform of art & fashion to be a voice for the people.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am looking at more San Diego area and SoCal pop up events to close 2019 and kick-off 2020.

We have several new footwear releases on the horizon. Stay tuned….

Contact Info:

• Address: 969 Market Street
  Suite 703
  San Diego, CA 92101
• Website: www.thealbertraycollection.com; www.albertraycollection.com; www.shirtsicle.com/albertraycollection
• Email: law@albertray.com
• Instagram: @albert_ray_collection
• Twitter: @iamalbertray

Image Credit:
Lawrence A. Willis
Adrien Tapia
Christopher LeMark

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