The Lion, the Visionary, and the Wardrobe: press release 001 with Chalice.
- Camari Riley
- Jun 4, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 3, 2024
Hello, it's VC! Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to Chalice, the creative force behind VAZI, a movement I have stamped as #vcapproved. I've been following Chalice's journey closely, preparing for this press release and I have to say, he's one of the most inspiring individuals I've come across.
Chalice isn't just a designer; he's a real visionary and artist who pours his heart and soul into every piece. I saw it with my own eyes. I attended the third annual The Moment Fashion Show in Atlanta, where Chalice showed a groundbreaking collection... and he did it with a raging cold. What struck me the most was his unwavering and apparent dedication to his craft. I admire his fearlessness in pushing boundaries and commitment to authenticity. In this show alone there was a poem to set the tone, a dynamic soundtrack, a guy on the cymbals, and a dress being spray painted as the model walked down the runway in a “blank canvas” that draped into a beautiful silhouette... sensory feast.
In the midst of launching this incredible collection, Chalice also released a movie , giving us a glimpse into his mind and creative process. It's this depth and realness that sets Chalice and VAZI apart in an industry often driven by trends and profit margins.
We sat down for a VAULT exclusive. Join us as we dive into the world of VAZI and explore the story behind the Freestyle Collection, straight from the mastermind of the operation himself, Chalice. Trust me, it's not anything you want to miss.
THE CONVO
VC: Hi Chalice
Chalice: Wassup VC. It's an honor to work with you.
VC: Pleasure is mine. I'm so excited. This is my first press release ever, but also my first time featuring anyone in the VAULT, so thank you! Plus, there's alot the people want to know so let's get to the good s#!t.
Your latest collection, the Freestyle Collection, was really cool. Nothing like I've ever seen before, especially out of Atlanta. You have a huge archive of ideas to pull from, as you've shown me. What was the feeling when you realized the Freestyle Collection was something you wanted to see through rather than saving for later?
Chalice: When I understood that it could be a strategy to feel better. Pursuing this collection felt like I was getting out and overcoming my struggle. [It] really felt free. Before Freestyle, there were collections already written and designed, but they felt stressful to execute. It wasn't uplifting to me. It was breaking me down… just work, work, work. The Freestyle Collection felt like therapy in the midst of my situation, like healthy work.
VC: Healthy work. I like that. Why do you think this was so?
Chalice: Because it was a chance to use everything I was going through. Like I said in the Vazi movie, without my history none of this would be possible. This was a way to transmute the energy while giving something to the world at the same time.
VC: Fye. Now I know you're a man of multiple disciplines, music being one of them. What type of music did you like to listen to when you were designing and crafting these garments for this collection particularly?
Chalice: Classical, orchestral music. Music that can overpower. Wordless. Music I could just feel rather than have to process.
VC: Escapism. That's so interesting given the drive behind the collection. Everything about it screams freedom + release. What was the most challenging moment from planting the seed to the execution of this collection?
Chalice: Nothing was more challenging than the duration it took to release it. It was planned to be a six month project and ended up becoming a two year project. A lot of big brands only give a couple months to one collection, and that's why I think the Freestyle Collection is so cool. It’s really a story told overtime… so much energy put towards one thing.
VC: What went super right? What was the most fun part?
Chalice: I never had a problem coming up with a design. There have been times in the past where I was brain farted and didn't know what to do or how to present it. Somehow with this collection, I knew exactly how I wanted it and what to do about it.
VC: What else sets the freestyle collection apart from your other collections?
Chalice: This was my first time using an industrial sewing machine and having this high of a production quality.
VC: You released a lookbook alongside the collection and I loved it so much. From the photography and artistic composition to the models’ makeup and the pieces, it was very aesthetically intriguing. I found it to be something possibly enjoyable for people of many backgrounds and passions. Was this intentional?
Chalice: The lookbook wasn’t something I planned on doing when I first started the collection. A friend of mine in the same industry gave me the idea by telling me that I should do a lookbook style video. After doing that and researching some fashion history, I decided that it would be cool to do a physical book. I know that not everybody likes fashion, but there are some people that like books, some people that simply enjoy photography. This was me expanding Vazi’s horizons, and that part was intentional.
VC: As somebody who is deeply into fashion and not only studies it, but also indulges, I know you know that clothing can evoke emotion. Is there any feeling that you want to evoke in people with this collection?
Chalice: A sense of royalty. A sense of accomplishment. A sense of confidence. Sense. Because if you have some sense you would be rocking the Freestyle Collection.
VC: Well God knows we need more sense in this world so I guess if you're reading this, you need to get into some Vazi.
Are there any big faces or names that you would like to see in this collection specifically?
Chalice: Rick Owens. Not only has he been a big inspiration of mine, I really like this boutique in Paris called Paradoxe Paris. Shoutout them. I was following them for a long time and Rick visited their store one time. They ended up putting some of their pieces in one of his shows. Their own designs. So that’s inspiring and it was cool to see. You don't see things like that often and that's the type of person I would want attached to Vazi.
I also wanna see some crazy actors and actresses in it. I f*ck with films.
VC: Yeah cinematography is an art form. I learned that from you, I think. Do you feel like your love of films and cinematography is reflected in your work?
Chalice: Yeah. Over time VAZI became a movement that’s bigger than clothes and I realize that I want to focus more on getting unique stories out rather than just clothing. It’s about the person wearing it, not what they’re wearing. Shoutout Coco Chanel. So moving forward I would like to build the clothes off a story, not the other way around. Short films [are] one way I plan on communicating this.
VC: By doing it that way, you’re building characters that different people can relate to in unique ways. We all process stories differently and have unique favorite parts. So I guess this creates space for people to form personal connections to the brand based on what resonates with them, and that's refreshing. I can't wait to see.
Chalice: Exactly.
VC: From studying your brand and the movement as a whole, I noticed that there is a strong sense of community and teamwork around VAZI. What would you say is the importance of having a good team and delegating tasks?
Chalice: Honestly, I feel like you’ll understand the value of having a good team of qualified people when you realize what it really takes to build one... because it's nothing to be forced. I want everyone to know that you don't need another person to make your dreams come true, but when you have it you should value it and allow people to do what they’re good at. The more you refine your craft, the exact type of people you need in your life will find you and help in the ways they’re meant to.
VC: It’s cool that you answered it that way because I know there are alot of people, including myself, laying the groundwork in order to align with the right team. Tres inspiring!
If you could describe VAZI as a color, what would it be?
Chalice: VAZI is pastels.
VC: You didn't have to think. Cool as f*$k.
Could you give the VAULT a little inside scoop on any upcoming collaborations you have in the works?
Chalice: Basement Boy x Vazi 2024. We already teased some hats and short films. We got a Hoodlumni collab coming with my boy Marquis. That’s gonna be action packed, so yall be on the lookout fasho.
VC: Is there any advice or words of encouragement you would give to anyone who has not yet pursued their passions but would like to and don't know where to start?
Chalice: I would tell them to mind their business and not care what other people think. For real. Don't worry about whether it's ‘working’ or not because if you never give up and stay focused on the right things, it will eventually work. Just mind your business.
VC: Well said. Mind your business, 2024 and beyond, people.
Okay so at this point there’s been a movie. You’ve done your third fashion show. Is there anything that has been left unsaid that you want the people to know about Vazi?
Chalice: Vazi is nothing like these brands. I got so much respect for creatives in the fashion industry that aren't brand owners because I'm at war and I’m gonna win mine. Team Vazi all the way. You either TEAM VAZI or you not. I've been working really hard on a collection called Whispers of Fate, and it’s gonna show the world exactly what I mean when I say ‘Vazi is unlike anything else.’ It’s gonna serve as positive media consumption in a world of brain rot media.
If you really support the movement then I suggest you go back and look at VAZI from the beginning. Go to the Youtube. Go to the website, the social media accounts. Find the hidden keys. I left so many easter eggs for kids and folks like me trying to see through it, trying to get through.
VC: Is there anything that has been left unsaid that you want the people to know about you, the brains behind Vazi?
Chalice: ...
VC: ...
Chalice: Nah.
VC: That’s so VC approved. This was cool as f%$#. Thank you!
Chalice: Thank you, VC.
------------------------- wrapped ------------------------
REACH THE CREATIVE <3
Instagram: @chalicechalice @inmyvazi
Twitter: @newvazi
VAZI YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inmyvazi
thanks for visiting the VAULT. u guys mean the world to me. upon setting out on this venture, i had no idea just how dynamic it would become. we are constantly surpassing my vision. i love it here, and i love to have you all here. don't go! xoxo, VC <3
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