Alfred Julius: Music

  

Big K.R.I.T - Dreamin'

 I was born and raised below the Mason Dixie. Therefore, That makes me Southern. I’m the youngest of five siblings. Therefore, That makes me influenced. These are two things I share with the very very talent MC, Big K.R.I.T. He is Southern to the bottom of his feet and I can hear the cadence when he tells his Southern tales of growing up in the 90’s and 00’s. With every track buy him, you can hear the influence from the Southern greats, Scarface, UGK, MJG, Outkast, Goodie Mob. He currently has two GREAT “mixtapes”, more like albums in rotation on my iPod rotation “Krit wuz here” and “Return 4 Eva". I choose one track in particular,”Dreamin”, because it reminds me of growing up in Little Rock and the dreams I had. I was basically wishing on a star, some encouraged, some laughed, But I never stopped “Dreamin” on what I wanted to accomplish in life. Thank you Krit, Keep on telling your story to a funky southern beat.

Hope the day brings you joy,

Chike Atu, ceo and head designer

Alfred Julius: Nick Gilbert

This is kind of testimony on who I really am as a person. I’m slightly goofy, sentimental, creative, and fearless.


I currently don’t watch cable TV, saving for a trip and every dollar counts, so I didn’t actually see the NBA Lottery this year. As a result I was immediately contacted by friends and family when the Cavs some how won two picks in Top 4?! Conspiracy? Nope. Dan Gilbert, Cavs owner, allowed his son to be the good luck charm for the team this year. Sure enough it worked to his Godly favor! His son, Nick Gilbert, was also there to bring awareness to the disease; Neurofibromatosis, a tumor disorder. This made me think of my sister whom has suffered from Epilepsy since she was 16 and the profound effect it had on my life growing up with her and the strength she showed despite the disability. His testimony was really touching and then I saw a pic of him! Sure enough the young gladiator was wearing a bowtie on the night of the improbable! So the next day I ran to the fabric store and made a  personal piece just for him. With a little research, I was able to acquire the PR Dept. address and off it went, a personally made bowtie for Nick Gilbert. Did he receive it? I may never know. Am I happy I sent it? Hell Yeah. Hope he enjoys it.




May the day bring you joy,


Chike Atu, founder and head designer

      Patchwork Madras, with a hint of Cavs/Browns colorway

 Alfred Julius Packaging

Alfred Julius: Sample LookBook

I shot the Alfred Julius Sample Lookbook earlier this year. It really helped me to start to capture some of my ideas and just start to build a portfolio for people to see. After shooting I sent out to many tastemakers and people I truly respect their style and vision. I received a lot constructive criticism, that is something any and everyone needs. Art/Fashion school provided me with enough to see if when someone is full of shit or if the sincerely want me to do better and more forward towards my dreams (more on that later). Hope you enjoy and feel free to leave feedback. REMEMBER these are just samples, the official pieces for Fall/Winter ’11 and Spring/Summer ’12 will be more refined and even better! Thank you to my models Abdoul and Donsi.



May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

                                                Wool Tartan                          Cotton Kente

                                                 Twill Wool                 Water Proof Nylon Camo

                                                Ultra Suede             Raw Selvedge Denim w/ Brass Rivet

                                            Small Wail Cord         Heavy Silk Woven (Chanel)

                                             Purple Velvet                           Silk Quilt

                                           Wool Houndstooth             Black Heather Wool

                                             Silk Pleated Tux           Black Lambskin Leather
  

Alfred Julius: Testimony

“... the bow tie is sick! I think you’ve officially made me a bowtie man... again...” -  Karl-Edwin Guerre



This is a great testimony to receive from someone, whom I really respect in style and also his eye for style. His website is something worth following as well. You never know, you might find me on there one day... hint. hint...


Hope the day brings you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Music

Aloe Blacc - Green Lights

Aloe Blacc is currently one of my favorite artist. Retro? not really. Quality? indeed. I always play it atleast twice. I’m working on passing him an original bowtie for his enjoyment, more on that when/if it happens. This song always gets me in the mood to run to fabric stores, set up my sewing machine, send out emails, and simply just deal with the day. Everyday brings a new chance to change your life and doing something grand.


Hope the day brings you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Why?

      The beginning of this vision truthfully started many moons ago. The base comes from my love of Men's fashion. While attending the art school, Memphis College of Art, I begin to learn how to use the sewing machine. This lead to me doing a project based around neckwear at the work place and how redundant it had become. Solids, Stripes, or a company monogram were and always will be the norm and most excepted in the work place. Being an Artist, I wanted to dig deeper and see where this could go. It lead me to making neckties being made from unique compositions, from paper, oxford cotton, denim, pattern paper, vintage rock n roll tees, etc. In critique I received great reviews and encouragement to continue to push the limits. I stepped away from making neckwear for some years, while attending FIT, but it always stuck in the back of my mind what was missing in the industry of Men's Accessories. Also with time I also gained more experience and knowledge of Menswear and design.
     About 9 months ago, I started patternmaking and tweaking the layout for bowties little by little again. Once I found the true shape that I like and the best technique when it came to sewing them, my goals were laid out. I wanted my own accessories line. Name? no clue. Logo? not a damn, but I knew this was the lane that I could conquer and strive in. I procrastinated for long enough and decided to start working towards this goal in November. Around this same time came the passing of my distinguished and highly beloved grandfather, Alfred Julius King, Jr. A man of great measure and someone I have admired my whole life. With finance low, for the going home ceremony being held back home in Arkansas, my siblings decided the best way to travel would be by driving from DC. I was against at first, but I now feel this decision has been something that only made our bound closer and stronger. Although I didn’t help drive... lol. I enjoyed the stories, songs and jokes shared through out. It was truly inspirational. While on the road I  began the logo design and decided to name it in my Grandfathers honor while riding in that seven passenger van. It’s also a blessing that I later found out that my other late Grandfather shared the name, Alfred, with him as well. So the dedication is split between two great men.
    As I continue to push the limits of design and fabrication, I will forever keep those two men in mind and always respect my craft as a designer and remain a leader of tomorrow. Thank you, Alfred Julius King, Jr. and Willis Alfred Walker, your Grandson will make you proud.


Hope the day brings you joy,

Chike Atu , founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Chike Atu, Founder

     Chike Atu - was born in Little Rock, Arkansas raised in the presence of strong men, that showed what chivalry and hard work can lead to success. Chike was later nurtured in the great city of Memphis, TN as he pursued a career in the fine arts while attending, private art college, Memphis college of Art. While attending the local school, his appreciation for Menswear was strengthen through guidance from professors and local business men. All of which encouraged him to continue to pursue his dream of menswear design in NYC. As a vessel to the city, Chike  attended the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology, concentrating in Menswear. While attending school, his knowledge and network continued to grow. Naturally, internships and freelance positions opportunities became available for him to work and learn. Currently, Chike' Atu is growing in Brooklyn, NY. He is using the brand, Alfred Julius,  as a vessel to get out his dream of quality, unique, and luxurious accessories for the forward thinking man.

The Welcome: Alfred Julius Journal

    Alfred Julius, a men's accessories collection, originated in Brooklyn,NY; of  unique fabrications and innovative designs based around the traditional neck wear worn by distinguished gentlemen over history. The "official" launch of this brand will ideally be on August 24, 2011, but there is alot that needs to be done before that can ever happen!
     I, Chike Atu,will be using the blog as an outlet to allow followers to see the development of the brand over the next couple years. I will do an entry once a week, Wednesdays, on the progress of the brand. What obstacles I have been faced with, what new designs/fabrications I have developed, and any break throughs I might have (funding, buys, meetings, etc...). Some entries will be simply inspiration pics I've compiled over the last 5 years in NYC, some will be long rants about unjust cost of fabrics, and some will be triumphant! You never know. I think  this will give inspiring designers a real idea on how the system works... and hopefully will help me remain focused and determined to bring my dreams to life. If this can help be a testimony to a young designer, then my reason for this blog will be fullfilled. It will be raw, fun, and hopefully inspiring.

Hope the day brings you joy,

Chike Atu , founder and head designer