Mr.Platinum Iridium Think Science 

What's the Science? I'll tell you, it's the 77th element in the periodic table and it's what to wear if you want to be cold. Am I using too much slang? Fine, I'll start again. Iridium is a clothing line, started by the one and only, Mr. Platinum. I first laid eyes on the brand while clubbing. A group 15 beautiful people came strolling and they were all wearing signature Iridium brand varsity jackets. I felt like I was back in high school; I wanted one of those jackets. I did some research, and low and behold, I found the man responsible for those creations. Mr. Platinum. I was even able to get an interview:

StopBeingFamous: So, Mr. Platinum, how did you get your name?

Mr.Platinum:  I got it in the Bahamas about 12 years ago. I worked at The Atlantis Hotel on Paradise Island in V.I.P. Guest Services and my job was basically to take the guests out to clubs, bars, parties and make sure they had lots of fun so my friends used to always see me hanging with Platinum Music artists and I remember my boy Damiko said, " You is only hanging with Platinum artists, hey"? (Bahamian slang). We need to call you Mr. Platinum.”And it stuck; before I knew it the whole island was calling me Platinum. It stuck, it was cool, easy and unforgettable, and so I rolled with it. I have re-invented the essence of the name to suit more of my personality today which is being the best at everything I do. I do all things on, and at, a platinum level. 

SBF:  What would your closest friends have to say about you?

MP:  Nicest dude you will ever meet, too nice for my own good; creative, a leader and a real positive dude.

SBF:  How did you get your start as a designer?

MP:  The streets of the world.I didn't learn what I know now about designing in college; I have a degree in bio-chemistry.  I started off as a stylist for photo shoots and video shoots and decided to stop dressing my clients in other brands and dress them in my own brand, Iridium.

SBF:  What is your birth name, if you don't mind me asking?

MP:  Gregory J. Williams   

SBF:  Do you remember what your first interaction with fashion was?

MP:  My mom is a hairstylist and did hair and fashion shows in the Bahamas. That was where my modeling career started, so I would have to say that was the time.

SBF:  What inspires you? 

MP:  My family, my friends.  Music by Tek and Kalico, life struggles and my haters; they make me better.
 

SBF:  Where are your clothes manufactured? How do you go about finding new fabrics? 

MP:  U.S.A. and Japan. We find fabrics at trade shows.

SBF:  Do you sketch as a part of your design process?

MP:  Yes, I sketch but directly onto my computer. Big ups to Adobe Software, that's my G. 

SBF:  Do you work season to season or do you have an overarching vision for the label?

MP:  Both. We produce new products every season and I have a Platinum Vision for the label. Each season we want to produce better and fresher products, more intelligent designs and overall product quality. Our vision is to have the world thinking science with Iridium products.

SBF:  Who are your clothes made for?

MP:  The world. I produce with everyone in mind, even aliens, lol.I want the cool, nerdy, the normal, uncommon, hipsters and 9-5 rat race people to rock our gear. It’s kind of weird when I see people rocking our products but not in the way I envisioned it to look on them, but I understand that people have their own styles and it's just an honor in itself that people want to fuck with us. I know people could rock any gear they wanted to but when they decide to choose Iridium and think science with us it’s truly a blessing, my dude. Real talk.


SBF:  From Williamsburg, Brooklyn to Venice Beach young people are gravitating towards second-hand stores as a means of saving money. What are your thoughts on "thrift store-chic" and how does it affect your company’s marketing plan?

MP:  Yo, big ups to all my thrift store shoppers, for real, because that's how I started in the business myself. Some people feel comfortable in second-hand clothes and others feel more comfortable in brand new clothes. I can guarantee you that nine out of ten people, if you gave them a choice between some thrift store gear versus brand new gear out of a boutique like A.Okay Official, Self Conscious, or Juggernaut (all stores that sell Iridium), they would choose the new jump off. Some kids just can’t afford that $20-40 tee so they gravitate towards the thrift jump offs. More power to them and I encourage people to stay in their lanes.

As far as marketing to our target area we choose wisely which magazines to plug, what parties to promote what events and people to sponsor.

SBF:  What are some industry traps young aspiring designers should watch out for?

MP:  Spending habits, spending profits, business expenses, people to fuck with and your team are just little things to watch out for.

SBF:  What has been the high point in your career, your moment of great pride?

MP:  It hasn't happened yet, but I was happy the first day I saw my “Skull n Burst” t-shirt in the window of Medusa Circle; that was a proud moment, for real. Alessandra compiled a photo book of all my designs.  That was an epic moment, as well. Also, my team Alessandra, Tek, Kalico, Marlon, Nikki and our private investors (The Fam) dedicating their time and energy to make Iridium the shit that you and your moms wanna fuck with.It’s a blessing to have people who believe in me and Iridium. I’m truly blessed, but far from the high point in my career. I know that I still have a long way to go. 

SBF:  What's next for Mr. Platinum?