We had the good fortune of connecting with Jay-de “Mr. Classic” Robinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jay-de “Mr. Classic”, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

When it came to starting Mr. Classic’s Haberdashery, the journey was not one I really intended on traveling. I saw myself as more of a behind the scenes person, right hand man if you will. For some reason though, I seemed to have found myself taking on leadership roles at the other ateliers I worked for. I always had a vision for how a business such as this should be ran, and I was never able to accomplish that while working alongside anyone else.

“One must travel his path alone to discover his destiny. Others, sometimes present deterrents.”

Being that I knew what type of setting I’ve always wanted to work in, creating it was not a taxing endeavor.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Jay-de Robinson, better known as Mr. Classic. Jamaica native, New York raised, now a resident of Atlanta Ga. In the field of fashion, he has styled and consulted some of the industry’s top A list celebrities. From Tyrese Gibson, Waka Flaka to Mya and Jack Harlow. From Athletes such as, Frank D. Murphy, Johnathan Butler and NBA legend, Julius Erving. He has also worked with individuals in the political arena. From Governers to The CEO of the Human and Civil Rights of Atlanta. He has designed and fitted them all. Mr. Classic has before worked alongside many design houses in Atlanta for the past 5 years. In the field of wardrobe and image consulting, to designing, Illustrating, and styling. Now, Mr. Classic is the CEO and designer of Mr. Classic’s Haberdashery in Atlanta. His focus, mainly being to helping individuals develop their personal style. Through the education of fashion and in custom garment designs, he has become the go to designer for the elegant and high class. Mr. Classic is also the founder and chairman of The Princemen Organization, a program geared towards helping young boys develop their image and voice in the business world. Giving them the opportunity to showcase their innate skills and build a strong foundation. Empowering the youth to dress and act as the individual they want to become, has been his goal and mission with this program. Alongside many other mentors and highly influential people, Mr. Classic looks to accomplish his dream of ” Building an Empire and leaving a legacy”

” Before they hear you, they must first see you, make sure what they are looking at is going to be worth listening to.”

 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would have to say my itinerary list is quite small. I am a firm believer in, everyone should not be able to see you everywhere. So, with that being said, I would have to say starting the day off with brunch at Pinheads & Teakettles in West Midtown ran by Chef Patricia Paggabao. P&T is a wonderful French style cafe with different cultural influences in the dishes Chef Patricia serves. Truly a wonderful way to start the day. From there one would venture off to either a museum “The High Museum of Arts” is a great one, or antique shopping. Some of my favorites in the city are Kudzu, Antiques and Beyond and Queen of Hearts. In my area of fashion, I draw a lot of inspiration from vintage stores and museums. Taking a trip into Buckhead and paying a visit to the St Regis for drinks and dinner is a must. However, I have just recently acquired access to Chops, a private member’s lounge, which provides wonderful food, drinks, and cigars. To round out the night I would usually head over to The Red Phonebooth. Either the Buckhead or Atlanta location, depending on the night. Enjoying a nice cigar, scotch and conversations with good people, no better way to end an evening out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

My Love and business partner – Chef Patricia Paggabao

My longtime friend, advisor and client- Actor/ Model Herschel Anthony Pearce

My Mentor and business advisor- Allen Amun

Website: https://theemanor.org/mr-classic-haberdashery

Instagram: https://instagram.com/therealmrclassic_?igshid=ZDg1NjBiNjg=

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-de-robinson-452878166

Image Credits
Project Saphyre Saphyre Studio

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