London born, Bronx bred fashion entrepreneur and visionary Mike “Black” Yussuff, is boldly conquering the sportswear clothing world with his innovative brand Blac Label!  Drawing inspiration from his diverse background and savvy business sense, the Blac Label brand has become a key player in the industry with its quality driven, detail oriented, and youthful approach to design. 

The success of Blac Label is undeniable in just four short years. I recently had the opportunity to interview Mike Black about his career, his brand, and his success. Here's a look into the mind of the man behind the brand.

Mikki Collier: Tell us about your transition from being a Financial Reporting Analyst at Saks Fifth Avenue to starting Blac Label?

Mike "Black" Yussuff: Saks was bought out by Proffitts and became Saks Inc. After turning down an offer to work in Alabama with Saks Inc., I was offered a similar position at Liz Claiborne. During this time a colleague and close friend of mine, Mike Harris, started a retail chain in Philadelphia. The stores were called Total Sport. In 2002, I became General Manager of Total Sport Inc. and in the next two years Total Sport Inc. grew from 4 to 15 stores with more than 100 employees. During this time I also started contributing by way of consulting, S.M.U’s and providing feedback on future product offerings for major companies such as: Mitchell and Ness, Reebok, New Era, Majestic, Timberland, New Balance and Headgear Inc.
 
MC: What's a day in a life like with Mike Black?

Mike "Black" Yussuff: Get up 5:45 am and work out. There are very few things we can control in this world. How I look is completely under my control. Once at the office, I'm reviewing samples and making comments. Most of our production is overseas so it’s important that we handle this immediately because they are anywhere from six to 12 hours ahead and if we can catch something the same day it saves a lot of time in the long run.

Later, I go over inspirations and review designs with head merchandisers. We have so many moving pieces and there’s a lot to go over. There’s always a wild card in every day inside the office: marketing discussions, sales meetings, trade show planning and a lot of discussions on the state of retail. Other days I'm out shopping in different cities: NY, LA, San Fran, Montreal. I visit the manufacturers about three time a year in Hong Kong, China, and our Indian or Pakistan manufacturers I meet in Dubai.
 
MC: How is Headgear Inc. involved with Blac Label clothing?

 
Mike "Black" Yussuff: Headgear is the parent company that has a controlling partnership in the production and distribution of the brand Blac Label Premium. Headgear also has Antik Denim and Taverniti, So Jeans and Up Against the Wall retail chain which I am involved with also at a comparable capacity.

MC: How involved are you with the designing of the line?

 
Mike "Black" Yussuff: I come up with the concepts for the deliveries and I have final approval of all designs.

MC: With annual sales topping $50 million just in menswear, what are some ways you continue to dominate the market during these tough economic times?

Mike "Black" Yussuff: Well pricing strategy has to change. Also going into fall we are changing a lot of the details of the brand from hardware to hangtags to logos so that we are providing something fresh and reflective of what’s now and what’s to come.

MC: Since launching Blac Label, the brand has expanded to include women's wear, footwear and children's wear. Do you have plans to expand into other areas of the industry? If so, which areas?

Mike "Black" Yussuff: I’d like to get into jewelry, watches, and other accessories, possibly a fragrance. Currently we have a license for headwear cold weather items and bags with Concept One.

MC: Tell us about your partnerships with Up Against the Wall, Jhung Yuro, and True Ambition by Blac Label?

Mike "Black" Yussuff: Up Against The Wall is under the Headgear umbrella and benefits from the financial strength of Headgear. I am looking to get more involved in the Up Against The Wall expansion plans because it gives all the brands at Headgear a leg up. We always have an outlet for our products. We can take chances because we don’t have to rely on another retailer to bring it in. We just move it through our own doors. Also with the current credit crunch, retailers have fewer dollars to buy complete collections.
 
Jhung Yuro gives us footwear knowledge and a leg up on footwear design. Anyone familiar with Kris Wright and Jhung Yuro is familiar with the superior materials and effortless style of that brand. We have access to the Jhung Yuro resources and provide similar footwear quality to our other brands while maintaining a separate identity. It works.

MC: How would you define the style and the person that your line exemplifies?

Mike "Black" Yussuff:  Blac Label is someone who wants to be seen. Wants to stand out. I think that’s why a lot of entertainers and athletes like the brand. It’s a brand that attracts compliments.

MC: What new fabrics, colors or styles are you incorporating for your spring and summer lines?

Mike "Black" Yussuff: For spring and summer we went with a lot of primary colors. I’m a huge sports fan and during spring time I get baseball fever so you’ll see Yankees, Phillies and Orioles colors. A lot of short sleeve wovens and also you'll see short sleeve henleys in polycotton and subcotton.

 
MC: How would you define your personal style?

 
Mike "Black" Yussuff: My personal style is a mash up. I was born in London and love European style so I have that influence. I grew up in the Bronx so I never go to far left, I walk a thin line. I also love watches, bracelets, belts and other accessories so depending on what’s my latest purchase I adjust my style to accentuate that item.

MC: What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers?

Mike "Black" Yussuff: Work retail. Gain an understanding that your design has to be purchased by someone. So even though its fun to draw six zippers on the back pockets of a pair of jeans, no ones going to buy them because it will hurt like hell when they sit down while destroying their car seats. Also don’t expect to get rich anytime soon. 

MC: What's next for Blac Label?

 
Mike "Black" Yussuff: Looking to strengthen our brand presence in the west coast and enter some foreign markets.

Mikki Collier is the owner and blogger for www.obsessivelycompulsed.com