Phlemuns
Design by Rachel Liu
Brand Overview
Phlemuns is a Los Angeles-based, unisex black-owned fashion brand originated by James Flemons in 2013. The brand was established with the passion to connect the space between high-end fashion and everyday wear. Phlemuns follows a comprehensive “slow fashion” approach which carefully crafts each garment with a lot of focus on customizations to enhance consumers’ body shapes. With the brand based in LA, the weather also plays a huge part in the designs as the weather is mostly warm all year.
The brand distorts the typical binary design idealizations and profiles by providing creative freedom and endless opportunities. The brand prides itself on being sustainable by using upcycling, minimal waste, and thoughtful labor. Phlemuns typically sells out online and sells for a higher price on secondhand websites such as Ssense. Phlemuns has been worn by many artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Rita Ora, Lil Nas X, Kelsey Lu, Rico Nasty, and many more which aided in the brand’s growth.
Designer Bio
James Flemons is a 33-year-old designer who was born in Los Angeles, California. James first started to sketch in second grade as he enjoyed creative hobbies over outdoor life due to health issues. He used his art as a creative outlet to navigate through his mostly sick childhood while using music videos as an inspiration for his design sketches. James noticed young that each gender had a culturally designated color such as girls wearing pink and boys wearing blue, which never aligned with how he felt. His parents noticed that he had an amazing talent for drawing and ensured he had the tool needed to be a successful artist. James’s first apparel piece was a small tunic for his sister’s Barbie. He learned how to hand sew during Boy Scout and his mom helped grow his craft by helping him to sew tops and small items as a child.
James took his first sewing class in college at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles where he first learned how to create his first pair of jeans. James was given a full scholarship as a Product Development major, which taught him the business aspect of fashion design. Unfortunately, James left school feeling empty, which is where he turned to YouTube to enhance his sewing capabilities. Despite the setback, James still graduated, got employed at Marc Jacobs in San Francisco, then moved to New York. James was always complimented on his fashion sense before starting his brand, which he humbly brushes off as just picking clothes he likes and what feels comfortable.
Inside the Brand
“I think there is a big disconnect in the idea of success today, especially for a lot of younger people who are growing up with Instagram and they’re thinking things are like oh this person’s doing that or this person you know, but the reality is a lot different. I’m still on an uphill battle and I’ve been working on this all my life.”
Collection/Designer Career Highlights
PUFFER SKIRT - PINK CLOUD
The machine-washable skirt is made of 100% Polyester with microfiber fabric. There’s also a silver side zipper that’s the length of the garment.
SLIP UP SHIRT - STRIPPED DUO
PHLEMUNS long sleeve is styled as a classic button-up with a multi-striped “tank top” shaped design on top. This shirt is also dry clean only.
BACKLESS TEE - BLACK/LIME
The simple, machine washable black tee is 100% Cotton and includes the PHLEMUNS logo embroidery.
CARGO PANT - BLACK/ORANGE
The 100% Cotton pants have an orange PHLEMUNS logo on the left hip, draw string details, and seven pockets.
HOODED PUFFER - PINK CLOUD
The shell pink cloud brushed coat is 95% cotton and 5% spandex. It includes two welt pockets in front, one hidden pocket, and a removable hood.
L/S PULLOVER - TANGERINE
The spandex jersey-styled long sleeve shirt was designed with tonal overlock stitch detailing; it’s recommended to dry clean this garment.
LONG JOHNS - BROWN/ORANGE
The micro ribbed knit tights are made of 95% cotton and 5% spandex. They have an elastic waistband and are machine washable.
3 TIE DRESS - 3M REFLECTIVE
The off-the-shoulder elastic a-line dress has ¾ sleeves and three adjustable ties to create a dozen kinds of silhouettes.
PINK COW PRINT MASK
The outer layer is 100% polyester faux fur and the inside layer is 100% cotton. The reusable mask has a hidden adjustable nose bridge and can be cleaned by hand washing and air drying.
Any type of vintage or antique textile is fair game to make into a new and upcycled garment.
The PHLEMUNS fitted long sleeve top is designed with a bright orange raised print spandex jersey and orange contrast stitch.
Edited by Kieryn Alexander
