ONE FORTY FIVE SOUTH, Chaz Morgan Interview

ONE FORTY FIVE SOUTH creative groups of America is the brainchild of Chaz L Morgan. His roots lay in graphic design and he hails from Maywood, Illinois. An offshoot of OFFS is Apparel Reserve the streetwear label which Chaz has now established and is driven to see succeed. Myself and Mr Morgan have been speaking for a while now and he has produced collaborative teasers with the FH's and some dope artwork for this feature.

I thought it was about time I asked him a few questions to find out what drives him and where he felt his brand was headed.

So you come from a graphic design background, what inspired you to begin your work at OFFS AR?

I was really inspired to do Apparel Reserve because of my restless creativity and my urge to take my artwork trans-medium. I love dope clothes also! It’s the perfect mix of my favorite things. It was only right! lol

Coming from this background, which you can clearly see in your work, how did you find the transition from this into the streetwear game?

I identify with the streetwear culture because that’s all I was raised around. The Hip-Hop Lifestyle naturally influences the collection, from the style of the clothing all the way down to the supporters. I come form Maywood, IL., it’s not a completely rugged city, but majority of it is. That’s what we are into out there! Love it.

The UK has a number of up and coming street labels at present. What's your take on the position of UK streetwear?

I love the UK Scene, man. It’s just unique and very clean. It’s like the HBO of the clothing scene. More people need to get familiar with what’s going on over there!

Spring 2011 will see the expansion of OFFS Apparel Reserve and the release of some new additions in the form of tee's, crew sweats and AR Revenge ladies wear?

Yes, I am bringing a lot of substance to the surface with these next releases, really meaningful pieces for the people! I have 6 Unisex Tee designs for A.R. starting Late Feb. 2011 and 3 Heel and 3 Tee designs for women starting May 2011. The entire collection will be limited to select venues and available on-line.

With this growth, where do you see the next stage of expansion taking you?

Next, there will be Small Accessories, Belts, Hats, and more dope things to compliment the brand! Can’t wait for everyone to see what I have lined up for them. I’m taking the personal route. I want everyone to be affected by my brand.

What brands inspire you and how have they influenced you?

Brand Jordan inspires me a lot. His brand is a direct representation of his impact on a culture. Anyone who strives to be great wants that same type of influence. It’s priceless to have. On top of that, the style of the clothing is semi-street and clean. Jordan is dope. lol

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chaz for his hard work in the production of all images and taking the time to partake in this interview. The Isolation family tee is currently available from JUGRNAUT in Chicago and online through Apparel Reserve.

All other tee's featured will be available after the release in February/March.