Meet Keith Dixon | Fashion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Keith Dixon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Keith, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Being prior Army and deploying multiple times, both as a service member and civilian, can have some wear and tear on your mental health. I was in a huge depressive downward spiral after being told that I wouldn’t be able to deploy anymore after injuries I suffered in Afghanistan. I would try everything to clear my mind and nothing seemed to work but being creative. Long story short, I felt that creating would displace me from my PTSD and it does a lot of the time. I pursue an artistic/ creative career because its keeping me alive and people seem to enjoy what I make.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I create various clothing items from suits, dresses, ski gear, leather jackets, activewear, and swimwear. What sets me apart is that I am a black, heterosexual, Army veteran fashion designer. I simply don’t fit the mold of what you’d consider a fashion designer. I only use top quality fabrics when making my clothing.  I fly to Dubai and Kuwait to source fabrics, and integrate repurposed military uniforms and accessories into my designs. I make custom pieces for special people. I don’t have a team so everything is on me. I design everything…from the gym to the red carpet. I get excited when I envision something and it comes to life. I’m proud of how I’m able to execute as a solo operator.
Nothing is ever “easy” in life. I’ve gotten to where I am in life because of the support I’ve had along the way, without the support of certain people I wouldn’t be having this conversation. No’s are challenges every new designer may face and unfortunately there are more “No’s” than “Yes’s”. I’ve learned to persevere through the “No’s”. For example, I had a meeting once with a buyer from Macy’s who discouraged me from continuing my brand. She told me I don’t fit the mold and I don’t have an interesting enough story. Comments like that only make me go harder. Lessons I’ve learned along the way: stay true to yourself, always do what inspires you, don’t let your excuses become reality, the L’s I took were lessons I needed to learn. Premiumjunk started as brand for service members until I realized more civilians were making purchases, which made me want to bridge the gap from military to civilian.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Aww man! You (can) find me anywhere along the belt line. Fred’s at Krog Street market for the WIN, that shroomshire steak, garlic fries and oatmeal cream pie will get you right! To work off all of those calories I’ll hit Stone Mountain. Night vibes its either Midtown or Buckhead. Blu Martini in buckhead has a great Sunday brunch hosted by DJBabeyDrew that’s rockin all day. Its hard to narrow down all of the fun, most interesting places in Atl because you can catch a vibe anywhere in the city, but I think my go to would definitely be the belt line, Little 5, or Virginia Highlands.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First God, my life line Shelby, @dalalid and @ascia- they put the battery inside my back. @melvinstyles- he was the first person in Atlanta to sell my pieces in his store. @bu_jaqub- the second person to allow me to sell in Bunka Kuwait. There are so many more shout outs, this could be pages long. I’m incredibly blessed.

Website: Premiumjunkclothing.com

Instagram: @Premiumjunkclothing

Facebook: Premiumjunkclothing

Image Credits
Carlos Aviles- NBC Good Girls (Camo Blazer) Veronica Vega- Artist/ Love and HipHop Miami (Green suit) Ceaser- VH1 Black Ink (Red Blazer) Montez Bernard- Model (Black & White Bomber Jacket) Shot by Vegas Giovanni Michelle Raught & Emer Louise Morrison – (Black and White Beach Covers)