Theophilio is a contemporary clothing brand based in Brooklyn created by designer Edvin Thompson. He fuses nostalgia from his early years in Jamaica and combines them with New York City’s progressive culture — focusing on life’s celebrations. At the 2021 CFDA Fashion Awards he was named American Emerging Designer of the Year and this year he will be honored at Hamptons Fashion Week.
Tell us about your background as a designer. When did you know it was your passion?
Fashion design has always piqued my interest, even as a child I was constantly surrounded by creativity and craftsmanship. I knew it was passion when I found a community in my high school in Atlanta where we all loved to dress inspired by various themes during our freshman year.
You were the CFDA’s American Emerging Designer of the Year in 2021. Can you talk a little about this experience?
Even though it is approaching two years since I received this honor it still feels like yesterday. This experience is where I really felt such an overwhelming sense of love and support from my community. Straight from the awards, I went back to my hotel to change where my team congratulated me. Then, we all went to the Public Hotel where we truly had the best celebration ever with friends, family, and peers within the industry. I walked into the party to “Moment For Life” by Nicki Minaj and that is the best way to sum it up.
You moved from Jamaica to the US at age 9. How has Jamaica inspired your work?
Jamaica has inspired my work in many ways, the first way would be through the journey. I’ve titled my show collections after different steps in the expedition coming from Jamaica to America: “Migration,” “Air Jamaica,” “Homecoming.” The second way would be through my childhood and upbringing. Everything from the outfits my mom put my siblings and I in to the uniforms my grandmother helped construct, all of these things impacted how I saw the world sartorially.
Tell us about how the name Theophilio pays homage to your family.
Theophilio is derived from my middle name “Theophilus” which means “to be loved by God.” I’m so proud of my name, my family, and where I come from.
Talk a little about your design process. Where do you find inspiration?
I find a lot of inspiration from the world, energy, and people around me. I refer to Theophilio as a “wearable biography” because I have found the most inspiration in my personal life story and want the clothing to reflect that.
You’ll be honored at this year’s Hamptons Fashion Week. Tell us more about this honor.
It is a privilege to be recognized and celebrated by Hamptons Fashion Week. I believe the work that I do champions where I come from and it is truly exciting to showcase that in this space.
What are you most looking forward to at Hamptons Fashion Week?
I’m most looking forward to presenting with other talented designers. I love group collective shows because it is an opportunity to see up close and personal how other designers translate their initial concept and inspiration into a cohesive collection.
What’s next for you as a designer?
I have a lot of fun collaborations on the horizon that will expand the Theophilio universe. The team and I are focused on taking our time, making intentional connections that will ensure longevity.
