Jamaican-born, Brooklyn native, Edvin Thompson found a practical way to communicate critical conversations by leaning into his zeal for design, eventually creating his brand Theophilio in 2016 derived from his middle name Theophilus, meaning “to be loved by God.” With a strong appreciation for family and community, Thompson has curated the label with the ethos of showcasing his Caribbean culture through his lens. To say the least, 2021 was an immense year for Thompson, from winning the CFDA 2021 American Emerging Designer of the Year Award to attending his first Met Gala dressing Alton Mason, athlete Sha’Carri Richardson and finally, in his own words, “no longer feeling like an outsider” in the industry. Last year, Thompson said that “2022 will be the year of red” and so far his prediction is off to a good start as his latest custom red leather dress and hat were seen on Joan Smalls for the debut covers of The Black Fashion Fair. Models.com spoke to Thompson about his inspirations, creative process, and what we can expect from his highly anticipated, upcoming F/W 22 collection.
Theophilio S/S 22 shot by Braylen Dion | Image courtesy of Theophilio
What first pushed you to start designing?
I really love fashion and creating unique clothing. I found that designing was a way to have important conversations; it became an incentive for me to become a fashion designer.
Congrats on winning the CFDA 2021 American Emerging Designer of the Year Award! How did it feel to win this prestigious award last year?
The feeling was paramount, to say the least. I feel so honored to be recognized for my craft and my story-telling celebrating my home, Jamaica.
What is your creative process leading up to creating a collection?
Sometimes my creative process is a bit sporadic depending on the theme of the collection. I always lead with my past designs and reimagine them in future collections. Always thinking of Jamaica and Caribbean cultures of the past is at the heart of creating all my collections.
You had a moment at the MET Gala with Alton Mason and Sha’Carri Richardson wearing custom Theophilio. How was that first MET moment for you?
My first Met was a monumental moment in my career. I was surrounded by so many people I admire in the fashion industry. I no longer felt like an outsider. I am so appreciative to Lewis Hamilton for inviting me as a guest and allowing me to dress a very close friend of mine, Alton Mason. Meeting and dressing Sha’Carri Richardson for the first time was just as exciting. I felt like Lewis doing something so generous was tangible evidence of how we all should show up and support each other.
Joan Smalls wore custom Theophilio for the debut of the Black Fashion Fair. How was it collaborating with Antoine Grégory and Quil Lemons for this shoot? And what does the launch of this publication represent for you?
It’s always refreshing collaborating with an all-black team. The ingenuity they brought to the set made me very excited about sharing my designs. This publication is imperative for our community. Creating and publishing our own stories the way we choose to evoke visibility and the amplification of the black community.
Denim seems to be a constant fabric choice in your collections. What draws you towards the textile?
I feel denim is so easy to work with. Whether you are pressing, dyeing, distressing – denim always supports my creative process. In my opinion, denim is a textile that can be used for the most innovative fashion designs.
Theophilio S/S 22 shot by Braylen Dion | Image courtesy of Theophilio
Your brand is an ode to Jamaica and Caribbean culture, does family play a big part in your inspiration?
The collections I’ve shown in the past have been a timeline of my juvenile years in Jamaica untill now. It’s very important for me to include my family in my storytelling and collections.
How will your F/W 22 collection differ from your previous collections and what can we expect from your upcoming digital presentation for NYFW?
My F/W 22 collection MARCH 02 will be my second winter collection. This collection is an ode to my first winter in the US. We will be releasing a lookbook with this collection.
What influenced the overall theme of this collection?
The influence on this collection is how I viewed the world around me in the early 2000s; celebrating my family and my first home in New Jersey.
Theophilio S/S 22 | Image courtesy of Theophilio
What plans of expansion do you have for 2022 and who would you like to see wearing Theophilio this year??
In 2022, Theophilio will expand more into accessories and partner with online retailers. I’ve been sampling my signature bag design for some time now and I’m very excited to release it on the market. I would also love to see Rihanna in my brand this year.
As a young emerging designer, what advice would you give to other young designers starting off their careers?
My advice would be to never stop creating. Listen to your gut and remember to always surround yourself with people who champion your work.
Image courtesy of Theophilio
