Member news

Interview with Carlton Spence, Celebrity Stylist & BSAA Executive Member
	Carlton Spence, The American-born descendant of Jamaican parents, is a fashion wonder. "I've always loved fashion," he contends. "It's in my blood." He has an innate sense of style and creativity second to none. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts @ Amherst, Spence received his Bachelor of Science in Fashion Marketing in 1989, and has studied at New York City's Fashion Institute of Technology. Spence's career began in visual merchandising with Brooks Brothers, Banana Republic and Louis Vuitton respectively. Since 1995, Spence combined the avant garde and classic styles of the mainstream fashion industry with his own creative genius and wreak havoc among his competitors. "I really pursue creative freedom," Spence explains as he develops his clients' personal style and wardrobe. He has been designing and sewing couture evening and bridal gowns since the age of 14;
garment construction and fit are his 'specialty'. Spence has spent the last eight years as a Celebrity Fashion Stylist and Image Consultant. His clients include: Verity Gospel Music Group, Light Records, Music World Entertainment, Americana Manhasset, Nordstrom, Macy's, Jones New York Apparel Group, M. Booth & Associates Public Relations, InStyle and Essence magazines. He has appeared twice on "The Weekend Today Show" with anchorwoman, Pat Battle on NBC4 Los Angeles and was featured on "Celebrity Catwalk TV". Spence has seen a lot in his years of fashion sharpening both his eye and skill to make his name and creations stand out. He has most recently styled the album covers for such artists as, Shirley Caesar, Hezekiah Walker, Byron Cage, Marvin Sapp, Donald Lawrence, Ricky Dillard, DeWayne Woods, JJ Hairston, Micah Stampley, Deitrick Haddon and Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson. He has also designed costumes for several Nickelodeon pilot TV shows and the film production of "The Solid Milk Chocolate Man". Spence's latest venture in the fashion industry has him branching out into the world of sports. He is currently creating several designs for several top NFL athletes as well as a few NBA and MLB players as well. He is looking to work with several Olympic hopefuls in creating a design to be worn during the 2012 Olympics. "Personal style cannot be duplicated only enhanced," he explains. "It's my job to transform my clients' wardrobe to be fashion-forward while maintaining their individuality." Carlton Spence, definitely creating a name for himself in the sports fashion industry.