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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Focus on Fashion
I met Arthur Chipman when he was living in Canada some six years ago. Since that time his life has taken a fast-track in the fashion world. Chipman is currently the executive producer of Los Angeles Fashion Week (LAFW) in California. The event has been leading the fashion industry in two key areas; Streetwear, and Red Carpet. Chipman has worked with hundreds of top labels from all
over the world such as Escada, Hugo Boss, Porsche Design, Naeem Khan, just to
name. LAFW has been consistently backed by major luxury brands such as Mercedes
Benz, Rolls Royce, Swarovski, L’Oréal Paris, Hilton Worldwide, and others; partnering with media heavyweights such as E! TV, Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, Conde
Naste, Hearst Publications, Getty and more.
According to Chipman, "85% of the world's top fashion influencers (greatest reach and impact) are all based in Los Angeles, and it's home to more digital fashion startups than anywhere else on the planet. LA is the largest manufacturer of apparel in the United States."
I caught up with the talented and creative young executive producer for this brief interview, and I hope to make it down to LA to check out the event first hand in the near future:
1. What got you into the fashion industry? I was a model when I was younger, and eventually got involved in producing national marketing campaigns and events for fashion labels and beauty companies. 2. Why do you enjoy it? I love the idea of presenting artistic work in all forms; Fashion, Music, Art. I’m extremely passionate about this and like creating unique experiences. 3. How did you get involved with LAFW? I’ve always had a love for the City of Angels and saw an opportunity in the market as the industry was going digital (social media) because of LA’s influence and explosion of culture. I didn’t hesitate. It was not being fully leveraged and I went after the exclusive rights and trademarked it back in 2010. Years later, here I am. 4. How has LAFW changed since you came on board? LAFW has changed in a lot of ways as many more major brands have entered into the market, we’ve gained the industry’s trust. We've partnered with one of the top venues in the Fashion Industry at the Petersen Auto Museum, and established ourselves as a force here on the West Coast. We have now partnered with many of the top digital agencies, talent agencies, and media organizations that look to us for inspiration.
5. What do you like about living in LA? What do you miss about Vancouver? What I love most about LA is its people and the city itself. Every day I feel like I’m living in Paradise as the world is inspired by this city’s culture and lifestyle. But most importantly, the opportunities that exist here are endless. What do I miss about Vancouver? Outside of family and friends, absolutely nothing. This is now my home. 6. Explain your connection to The Bahamas? My connection to the Bahamas is the Chipman family! My roots are Bahamian and British and my father John Arthur 'Chippie' Chipman is a cultural ambassador and a legend. He was knighted by the Queen of England and has a street named after him.
7. Do you ever get back to the islands (Bahamas)? I haven’t gone back to visit in a long time, but absolutely intend to go very soon, hopefully this spring/summer the latest.
8. Where do you see the future of LAFW? The future of LAFW ties in with the cultural renaissance happening already in LA’s exploding creative scene. Art Digest said by 2022 LA will have more Art Galleries than anywhere else in the world! We have the summer Olympics coming in 2028, We are the top market currently for both the Music Industry and Film; and now with no surprise comes the force in Fashion. I’m at the forefront and I'm one who always believes QUALITY over QUANTITY.
9. With my personal interest in sustainability, is LAFW engaging eco-fashion? Were constantly implementing sustainable elements to our designer roster every season, and there's a growing green presence in all of our activations and partners too. Next season we will have an entire day full of everything Eco-friendly, and were really excited about that.
10. What else would you like to tell us about your career? LESS IS MORE; and unlike NIKE, if I can’t do something right, I just don’t do it. My professional relationships have grown all around the world and I’m expanding into many other major markets like London, Paris, Dubai, Hong Kong,and more fully producing everything from Fashion, Art, Music, and Live Performances. My company is growing. Hence why we’ve established The A2 Group. 11. Words of wisdom to those trying to pursue the same type of career? Find a mentor. Learn, listen, love, and labor your ass off, harder than anyone else. 12. What inspires you? What inspires me is culture, though life experience is the best way to interact and learn about new things.
14. Proudest moment? My most proud moment would be my son. Everything that I do is for him. 15. What's your favourite accessory and why? My favorite accessory would be my phone, I can’t live without it!
You can follow Arthur Chipman on Instagram HERE. The next installment of LAFW takes place from March 22 to 25.
About LA FASHION WEEK (LAFW)
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