You may have been one of the billion people who watched as Beyonce’ commanded the stage during Oprah’s farewell episode. She gyrated, she belted, and most of all turned the heads of all fashion addicts. What you may not have known is who and what she was wearing. Bruce Franklin, ½ of Robot & Brucling, helped shape a brand that has ingeniously mixed refinement and rebellion in one place. This is also the duo behind Beyonce’s ever-noteworthy bowtie she wore during Oprah’s farewell performance.
Franklin, a Boston native, realized quickly after his first semester at the New England Institute of Arts that he was trailing down the wrong path in a pair of designer shoes. Leaving school to re-shift his focus, he became enamored by fashion through a styling project he did to help a friend. Franklin, now a solo act, chatted with LuxuriousPROTOTYPE on his new ventures, his trail of ups and downs, and his vision for success!
LuxuriousPROTOTYPE (LP): “How would your journey be summed up in three words and why?”
Bruce Franklin (BF): “I would say my journey comprises of bravery, a lot of memorable moments, and definitely enlightening affairs. I say brave because I had to step out on faith. It took a lot and it was scary but as long as I had God and him watching over me, I continued to keep my faith strong. I’d say memorable because there were things that I used to think were only dreams and they came true. A prime example is when Beyonce’ wore our bowtie on the Oprah closing show. I got the news while eating dinner and it threw me all off. I couldn’t even finish eating because I was so excited. Lastly, I’d say enlightening because I’ve had some hardcore experiences and now everything in the future that I put my hands on will be aided by those experiences. The good and the bad. It’s a blessing!
LP: “Tell us about the most difficult part of starting your brand? What has been the biggest challenge?”
BF: “Honestly, coming from a conservative hometown in Boston and starting something so different, new, and edgy – something that not a lot of people had seen before. At first it was really tough to get past someone telling you it’s not good enough. Basically what we did was take our items around to boutiques and they tell you ‘it looks ok and it’s fun but I don’t think I can sell it.’ It was like they didn’t take us serious. We had to believe that our product was the luxury product that it is today. Specific people or associates initially tried to put us down but then after the success they wanted to feature our pieces in their magazine and congratulate us. It was like 5 months ago you ignored us and told us it wasn’t good enough”
LP: “What moment in life will or has signified that you’re successful?”
BF “I don’t feel like I’ve made it. I don’t think I’m going to realize when it happens but I don’t know what it’s supposed to feel like. But I am very thankful and confident in knowing that we have built a name so far for ourselves and we do have people who are fans of the brand and recognize our product here and within the fashion world. I believe that in itself is a success and I am grateful to be recognized by peers and fashion forecasters.”
Working in sales until Robot & Brucling picked up, Franklin and his business partner continued to let their creative energy birth the brand. Venturing off into his solo project, Franklin would ultimately like to open up his own retail space and become an international household name.
LP: “ That’s very humble of you. But I know that you’re moving on to new things now. Tell us about your new ventures and why you started it? Robot & Brucling is such an amazing brand. Why would you want to branch off from that?”
BF: “I think the both of us have grown and stepping outside of Robot & Brucling was not a mistake. It was something that I always knew would come. It’s going to be bold, luxury, straight forward, and chic but also full of edge. It will include an assortment of pieces such as clothing and accessories. I don’t have an official launch date but by February 2012 you will see me put things out. I am excited to announce that the name of the brand will be “FRANK.” It’s everything that my family represents. And just like the word’s meaning, the brand will be straight forward and honest. I am inspired by my family and the people around me. This is the legacy that I am starting for my family. So, Frank is short for Franklin but also representative of the actual word “frank.”
LP: ”How did you fall in love with fashion/style? When did you realize that it was something you were passionate about?”
BF: “I had an opportunity to work with a good friend of mine, a fashion photographer and make up artist, and we collaborated on a few things and she gave me the chance to style a few times. I believe I was born into style and fashion. I picked it up naturally. I used to sketch as a child and I’ve always dressed different from the crowd. After the first shoot, I started to take myself more serious. I looked at the images after and I was impressed. I got used to the idea of being paid to work in fashion.
Franklin lives by the words “Anything is possible. Nothing is impossible.” He uses every day as a new day to refresh his life and conqueror new territory. But before doing that he believes in conquering the local throne.
LP: “What would be some advice that you’d share with someone who wants to walk in your shoes?”
BF: “I’m a firm believer in conquering where you are and then expanding out and go somewhere else. Build something where you are. That will be your foundation. If you aren’t inspired where you are, go where you are inspired. Go where you are appreciated and they appreciate your art or whatever you’re trying to pursue. Go where you are celebrated and not just tolerated.”
What Do You Think?
-Marquelle Turner
Author
6 thoughts on “Fearless | Interview with Designer Bruce Franklin.”
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I think the article is well written and very inspiring!!!!
Great interview! Mr. Franklin seems amazingly talented but inquiring minds wonder will his new brand, Frank, embrace the fashion of past works such as Robot & Brucling or venture off into something different?
Magnificent writing, all in all, a terrific and intriguing piece.
Excellent article, well written and great leap of faith story. I’m intrigued to see the future of the brand. I’ll keep an eye out, if I can get ahold of something perhaps i’ll showcase a piece or two in upcoming videos. Keep up the good work.
So Happy for him. He is so humble and extremely talented.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article! I found it to be very informative, inspirational, and well written. I hope Mr. Franklin has continued success in this new year! The Interviewer did awesome job!!!
Amazing interview. Hes so humble and truly dedicated to his craft. He has a way to inspire me everytime! He is, and amazing friend to me and reading this is def his words! FRANK will be a great success and im just as excited.