Branden Whitfield —founder and creative of Originate Clothing — stands by the words “do what defines you.” This is why he has worked for the past nine years to create a brand that largely supports other creatives working hard to achieve their goals. Having built a community in Denver through his brand, Whitfield continues to spread his positive message through new collections.
303 Magazine: Tell me your story and where your interest in fashion began.
303: When did Originate Clothing begin? How long has it been up and running?
303: What landed you in Denver/Colorado and made you want to have your business based here?
303: Why do you think it was important for you to have your own business as opposed to working for someone else?
303: Why was it important for you to create a brand that brings support to those working towards achieving their dreams and goals? Why was this messaging vital for the brand?
303: Can you tell me about some of the work you’ve done like past designs you have created? Take me through what you do to create an item and the creative process behind that.
303: What have you found to be the biggest challenge of working in the fashion industry specifically?
303: Would you say that fashion/styling influences/impacts your daily life outside of work? How so?
303: Has COVID-19 had any effects on your business? If so, how? What have you had to change/adjust and how have you and your business adjusted?
303: Is Originate Clothing working to use their platform to speak about what is going on with the BLM movement and the protests? If so, how?
303: Why do you believe it is important for you and other companies to speak out about issues like this?
303: What do you hope for the future of Originate Clothing? And can you tell us about any upcoming projects your currently working on?