The Possibility of a Better Community with Creativity and Unity: FRMLA
For those who may not be familiar yet, tell us a little bit about what FRMLA is.
FRMLA is a brand that represents some of many aspects of Los Angeles. It represents things like creativity, unity, and style.
Tell us a little bit about the team members of FRMLA?
So far it’s myself (Bernard), and my partner Sean. We are co-founders of this brand. We have family and friends that help us out from time to time, but at the end of the day we continue to push the brand as best we can.
What was the inspiration behind the clothing brand name?
Some people are not aware of this, but our brand is called Formula. The inspiration is basically wanting to give our people the blueprint to success with things that we’re doing for our brand coming from Los Angeles. Plus, we’re two LA natives, so we came up with the idea for the abbreviation for Formula, which is FRMLA (from+LA). So, people can call us either one, we love it. The message printed on the shoulder of your clothing states that the brand represents the possibility of a better community with creativity and unity. What is the importance of community to you?
This is something that we talk about all the time. There are so many factors to what makes a better community in our opinion, but the most important one is simply helping each other out. Things can be accomplished a lot faster if people lend a hand in whatever way they can, instead of only thinking about themselves. Our community has gotten better over the years, but there’s always room for improvement and our brand is going to help make it better.
What part of your creative process do you enjoy the most?
It probably has to be our conversations about everything around us. Those conversations lead to ideas that can change the game in streetwear. It’s a back and forth process, but that’s what makes it special about having a partner because we can still have our differences, but one thing we will always have in common is that we see the future possibility for FRMLA.
Tell us about the most recent FRMLA Pop Ups. The most recent pop up we had was in Leimert Park, California a couple of months ago. We were part of an event called “The Flea” by Michy Millions. We wanted to do our pop up there because that’s where we’re from and the love is always real over there. We get to interact with people that have love for the brand as well as some new curious faces. It’s a beautiful sight seeing our people enjoying each other’s presence in a public space.
What has been the most valuable lesson that you have learned thus far as a young, black clothing designer in LA?
It has to be the hard work for me. At the end of the day you have to be your biggest fan in order for people to see the vision. We continue to keep working and spread the word about our brand in every way that we can.
Tell us about some of your upcoming collections.
We actually have a collection that we’re trying to release very soon! We have been listening to the people/community on what they want to see next for our brand. We’re trying our best to make it happen and we hope that everybody likes how it comes out.
What’s the best way to purchase your clothing?
We have a website (frmla.us) and if something is sold out on the site you can always contact us through Instagram direct messages to see if we have any extras available.
How can we stay connected with FRMLA? We have an Instagram (@frmla.us) that can keep you updated on what we have going on.