By: Anissa Ocansey
Khristapher Graham, poses for the camera in a tee shirt from Domesday’s Spring 2023 collection, in Downtown San Diego this past December. (Darrin Morris/ LA Tribune.)
We’re all becoming the main character in our increasingly dystopian society. With the egg shortage, bursts of societal upheaval, and recent flooding along the West coast, now more than ever people are leaning into self care, and exploring how we can establish community during violent times. All forms of art including fashion has always been a medium to express and connect the customizable character that is you to the greater collective. Enter Domesday; The musically influenced , historically inspired LA Fashion week verified streetwear brainchild of Marquis Tipton.
Before settling into our convo about his deepest aspirations, and most piercing inspirations, Marquis wanted to talk skincare. He knows Domesday is destined for the spotlight, and he wants to be certain he’s ready for his close up. Most fashion brands are named after the designer i.e Versace, or Louis Vuitton. “Domesday” however is named after a historical database of the same name from the 1300’s used by King
William I of England. “It was a survey of the land. A collection of everyone’s assets and debts in the region” explains Tipton.
Marquis Tipton, 30, Goes over the pieces of his Domesday Spring collection during his photoshoot, in Downtown San Diego last December. (Darrin Morris / LA Tribune.)
As a fashion designer who’s methods of storytelling are portrayed via fabrics, layers, and laces, one must survey the land and tell the stories of the people in it. One must assess the trends, and listen to what the people love, and what bores them. Tipton Domesdays’ ethos runs parallel to the mission of fashion pioneers like the innovative inclusivity guerrilla warfare tactics of Dapper Dan while maintaining an authenticity that’s all his own. From graphic tees with smirking vampires to trendy
joggers, Domesday is all about intention, and impact. “I want to survey the fashion world. I want to maintain, and educate on the history of urban wear.”
Fashion, music, culture, and history have always intersected. Tipton
confirms music is the lifeblood of Domesday. “All of my models are usually musically involved. Music drives the brand.” says Tipton.
Kristapher Graham, poses in a Domesday bomber alongside Mia Irons wearing a Domesday zip up hoodie. (Darrin Morris/ LA Tribune.)
With the viral potential of 90s, and early 2000s fashions which trend endlessly on our timelines, there’s always an opportunity to reflect on key moments in fashion via musical archives. Marquis and I recounted our formative experiences with Nike’s most notorious pair sneakers, The Air Force Ones. Black entertainers stationed within Hip Hop culture like Nelly, and other Hip Hop giants immortalized the the importance of keeping your AF1s in pristine condition, a value we humorously noted contrasts
the creased grunge approach many have adopted to the urban streetwear staple in SoCal after the sneaker has been exposed to a wider, And whiter audience.
He then recounts a time in his youth he went shopping with one of his biggest style inspirations, his father. Musical group The Pack had released the song “Vans” which inspired Marquis to expand his shoe collection beyond his usual Jordans. His father rejected his request saying, “Those are white boy shoes”. That moment made a mark. “I felt like shit. It made me discover more about my personal style
Though”.
With a versatile background in art collection, marketing, and branding coupled with inspirations like Pharrell, Nike’s co-founder Philip Knight, Ralph Lauren, and his grandfather, the diverse pool of references is reflected in pieces like his “Trap Selena” graphic tee modeled after a Loteria card. The same muses fuel his latest endeavor— An art gallery pop up at the NFL Super Bowl Experience Weekend held in Arizona February 11th, will feature his latest capsule collection furthering his strides in the world of urban taste making.
During meticulous preparation of the micro fashion gallery, The LA
Fashion Week alum reflects on his biggest challenges. “Staying consistent. I want to drop more frequently” says Tipton.
A model walks the Catwalk, striking a pose wearing some of Domesday’s first collection during the 2022 LA Fashion week, last year. (LA Tribune.)
In the age of todays’ social media frequency and urgency, Domesdays’ Head Honcho has set a steady pace for himself this year. His top goals of 2023 including tackling a women’s collection, and upping the ante when he returns again to LA’s bi-annual fashion week. By the end of our conversation, I found my favorite element of Domesday is that “Day One” of your new personal beginning is right around the corner. Press start.
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