Edwin Freeman who is best known for his acting work in the Biggie Smalls biopic ‘Notorious’ and the Netflix series ‘Luke Cage’ also has his hands in the fashion game.
Since 2016, Freeman has served as a brand ambassador for Parish Nation Clothing. The brand’s debut collection contained pieces with retro-mixes and graphic prints, and since then, the collections that followed have progressively become more focused on detail and subdued motifs. The quality of production is reinforced with custom details that turn classic pieces into a “fresh” fashion statement. Parish Nation has not only enjoyed commercial success by becoming an internationally recognized fashion label, but is also seeing the brand’s original mission statement “Health, Wealth and Wisdom,” become a reality through a combination of designer voice and inspiration, organic marketing, and community involvement. Edwin recently chatted with us about working with Parish Nation, and gave us some tips on how to be a brand ambassador for urban-wear in this millennial driven era of fashion and culture.
The Knockturnal: How did you get involved with Parish Nation & what is their mission?
Edwin Freeman: I met Parish Nation’s Global Sales Manager Lindsay Cunningham in early 2016. They were in need of someone to represent their brand & he felt that I was a great fit because of my look, style, fashion sense & the fact that I understood their mission of being a brand that was for the betterment of the land & the people. I was already supporting the causes of multiple New York City based non-profit organizations so it was natural for me to join a company that believed in doing the same.
The Knockturnal: What stands out about Parish Nation compared to other clothing brands?
Edwin Freeman: Parish Nation specializes in functional, quality-driven & innovatively designed pieces. We embrace & define the spirit of a new generation with our clothing – both in thought & in style.
The Knockturnal: As a brand ambassador, what have you been doing to raise brand awareness?
Edwin Freeman: I’ve been consistently running social media campaigns & hosting parties & events in New York City, Atlanta & Miami. I work very closely with multiple non-profit organizations, event coordinators, party promoters & radio personalities in those markets who are very passionate about our brand & understand our mission of serving the land & the people while spreading the principles of “Health, Wealth & Wisdom”.
The Knockturnal: What has been the response from the key demographic that the brand is trying to reach?
Edwin Freeman: The response has been major! We’ve captured our key demographic & managed to remain in the forefront of men’s fashion through organic marketing & community involvement.
The Knockturnal: How has marketing & branding in the urban clothing industry changed since the 90s?
Edwin Freeman: The only real change is social media which makes it a lot easier for us to reach more people in our key demographic. That platform wasn’t available in the 90s.
The Knockturnal: Where do you plan on taking the brand in the future?
Edwin Freeman: I plan on taking the brand to all of the markets that we haven’t reached yet (national & international). The whole world needs Health, Wealth & Wisdom & I’m going to continue to spread those principles to them while addressing their fashion needs.
The Knockturnal: How can others pursue brand ambassadorship or make a lane for themselves in the urban clothing industry?
Edwin Freeman: Find a clothing brand that you believe in & contact them to inquire about their brand ambassador opportunities. Companies are always in need of good, serious, dedicated individuals to help them raise their awareness.