Streetwear Spotlight: Global Recess

Article written by: SoJones Asmara
Posted on: October 5, 2009

Lifetime’s Project Runway and Models of the Runway model, Emarie Wiltz, celebrated her new clothing line called Global Recess on Sunday, September 6th, 2009. The clothing line has a simple mission: To spread global responsibility through fashion. Through its fashion items, Global Recess aims to build awareness and promotes action toward global issues such as human trafficking, the militaryuse of children and poverty. Stories about these issues are told through the abstract art-inspired t-shirt designs. Read on for Sojones.com’s exclusive interview with Emarie Wiltz about her new clothing line.

Introduce yourself and describe how your brand was started?

I’m Emarie Wiltz . I am mother and model from New Orleans, LA. My brand, Global Recess, was launched in New York City the summer of 2009 as a way to combine two of my passions: fashion and humanity.

Describe this season and next season’s looks. Include any sources of inspiration.

Because the line is new and we are primarily focusing on getting theGlobal Recess name out there and building brand loyalty, this season’s look is very in-your-face yet abstract in terms of graphic design (nude woman’s silhouette, fire dress design with guns) and the actual garments are classic (t-shirts, basic dresses). The human form and in-your-face aspects of design will always be present because of our company’s mission to build global responsibility and to get our
message heard!

What celeb or well-known figure(s) exemplify the brand?

I’d have to say Kanye West. He’s always fashionable and makes daring fashion choices, so I know he’s bold enough to wear a nude woman’s silhouette on his shirt; at the same time, he’s very globally aware, as made evident in his “Diamonds from Sierra Leone” and the Kanye West Foundation.

Any product placements on celebs, in movies or videos to keep an eye out for?

As of yet, there are no concrete product placements on any celebrities, but that’s high on the priority list. Everyone knows that what’s hot is defined by what celebrities are wearing and doing, so it’s a must that we get some celebrities to become Global Recess consumers.

Any expansion plans?

Certainly. We are currently expanding our product line to include dressier clothing and additional ready-to-wear options. By next year, we plan on being in department stores across the states and in high-end boutiques in metropolitan areas.

Looking ahead over the next year or two, what themes/looks/styles do you see your brand gravitating to?

Global Recess is about humanity and will always use the human form to illustrate that. However, we can’t sell the exact same designs season after season, so we plan on keeping our fingers to the pulse of fashion and creating looks that are as hot as, if not hotter than, that of our competitors.

What themes/looks/styles do you see your brand moving away from?

Any company can make a t-shirt with a very literal message on it. It will get the point across, but it won’t be very fashionable nor will it raise intelligent discussion. Global Recess plans to keep moving away from the everyday and the mundane.

What has been a surprise fashion hit over the last year?

Rompers and jumpsuits were a surprise for me. The thought of it seemed funny to me at first, but they can look really cute and chic.

Doing good while looking good, is what Global Recess is all about.  When you purchase a Global Recess product, a portion of the proceeds of each sale is donated to a selected organization combating that specific issue, thus fostering a “Global Recess”.  You’ll know what issue you’re taking part in, because each shirt’s packaging includes a short description of the issue it is combating and information regarding the charitable organization receiving the proceeds.  Global Recess items are priced between $42.00 to $87.00.  Here are Sojones.com’s favorites.

Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking

Poverty Tank (Blue)

Poverty Black Shirt

Military Use of Children

Poverty with a Face