Clothing isn’t just fabric on the body, it’s a form of self-expression. Two OH seniors, Carter Carson and Bastian Gonzales, have taken a step into the fashion industry creating a clothing brand that goes by the name Durante.
“Over the past year, Carter and I have gotten really into fashion and clothing in general,” said Gonzales. “One day, we just decided to act on it.”
Though Carson and Gonzales are still young, their partnership shows a mature understanding and perspective on what they want their brand to represent. Their brand is centered around the idea of creativity and self-expression.
“I like to think that our brand represents creative freedom and the creation of new ideas,” said Gonzales.
The materials they use for their clothing consist of denim of 12 to 14 ounces per square foot, regularly using colors like indigo and black. Each item’s price is based on the time, cost, and effort the product takes to make.
The brand doesn’t necessarily have one person handling a specific role. Carson and Gonzales fill jobs in their production process that seem important for the completion of their projects.
Carson works mainly on production, and expressed his concern regarding the likelihood of intellectual property theft.
“Theft of intellectual property is a big issue in the fashion industry, and I want to make sure any unique designs I have are the identity of my brand,” said Carson.
Both Carson and Gonzales are very serious about their business, have the same aspirations, and the same outlook on who their audience is.
They strive for an audience who embraces their identity with fashion, people who can find inspiration for their style by their surroundings, and based on their style.
“I hope to get what I believe out into the world in the form of clothing, and [create] a community of people who are enthusiastic about our lives and the future of our society,” said Carson. “I hope to create a facet for people to express themselves and be able to support myself financially while doing so.”
What the business duo is accomplishing with Durante is an example of how student entrepreneurship impacts more than just their involvement in the brand. Their efforts in the fashion industry help build their confidence and be an inspiration to young students who may want to follow through with their business ideas.
By taking the initiative in creating their brand, Carson and Gonzales may bring new ideas into the OH community, creating a culture that supports innovation, creativity, and long-term growth.
Fans can follow their trends at Durante’s Insta account: @duranteclo_
