The process of formulating your thoughts into words is challenging. Some are better at it than others, but I believe every human being struggles with the concept of communication. We search high and low for ways to verbalize from singing to painting to design. If it weren’t for those who transmit their struggles through art forms we can listen to and wear, I’m afraid of what this world would be like. Daily, I am searching for an artist that can put my complicated feelings into artistry. I know I’m not the only one who found that missing spark and ignition to their fire while on their aimless Tiktok and Instagram scroll. One day in particular God graced me with the privilege of coming across one of the best fashion designers of our generation. Iman Knox is the Owner of the Fashion Brand “House of Northbrook”, and is what I like to call a breath of fresh ingenuity. Iman’s ability to design pieces that speak beautiful poetry should be studied, praised, and awarded. She is the missing piece that this world and fashion industry has needed. I was given the privilege of engaging in an impactful conversation with her, and I am proud to share her stock-still answers below.

Who are you?

I am Iman Knox, a Fashion Designer, Artist, and Owner of House of Northbrook.

Where are you from?

I’m originally from Detroit, Michigan but I’m currently based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Why did you choose fashion design as a career?

I’ve enjoyed plenty of avenues growing up from forensic science to veterinary science but since I was a little girl, there was this creative spirit that had a passionate chokehold on me. I’d rip apart my clothes and doll clothes and put them back together and sketch garments I’d imagine my favorite celebrities (circa early ‘00s) wearing. I almost went to college for forensics but that didn’t feel like home so during the fall of 2019, I went to fashion school at Savannah College of Art and Design, but decided to leave when the pandemic hit in March of 2020. During the lockdown, I was driven to take what I learned along with what I’d been teaching myself (shout-out to Youtube university) seriously, so I started pursuing design heavily and haven’t looked back since.

What according to you is your favorite part of being a fashion designer?

I have two favorite parts of being a fashion designer. One is the process and as tedious as an artist’s creative process is, it’s just something about seeing your work come to life from an idea. My second favorite part is seeing my clients light up when they wear their garments - whether it’s a custom commission or something pre-made. It’s one of the most rewarding moments to experience, which is what drives me to keep creating.

The designs you’ve created are nothing short of brilliant, but who and which things were your inspiration while creating such designs?

My design inspiration can vary depending on the specific project, season, or commission. I tend to consistently draw influence from the 90s Hip-Hop era, Black culture, as well as design houses: Ottolinger, Pyer Moss, No Sesso, and Jacquemus to name a few.

Define fashion.

Fashion is a tool for self-expression. We may not always be able to verbalize what we’re going through internally but fashion helps us start the conversation.

What made you decide to start your brand?

There aren’t enough Black women in the fashion industry. It's heavily saturated for starters, but I believe there’s always room for more representation. I also carry a story and idea with me that no one but me possesses - with that, it’s up to me to bottle them up or share them. My goal has always been to connect with people through clothing. As a timid person, I’m not always the best at communicating face-to-face, so I've found that my brand is my voice. It’s my perception, my feelings, my thoughts, etc. I knew I wasn’t the only one on this vast planet that struggles to speak up or vocalize their feelings, so the idea of making unique, one-of-a-kind pieces of clothing, to be a vessel for others to express themselves essentially birthed House of Northbrook.

When I came across your work I was stuck in my tracks, would you say you’re proud of your creativity and ingenuity?

I was stuck in my tracks forming an answer to this question. I realized that I can get lost in the process and just work, work, work without reflecting on what I’ve already accomplished. Now that this question has made me look back, I can say I’m definitely proud of what I’ve created. Most of my garments are pieces I’ve never done or practiced before. For example, the braided dress I made for my project “Nu-Growth” was the first time I’d ever done anything like that, to this day I’m shaken that I was able to bring an idea to life.

What do you want readers to know about you apart from design?

I absolutely love animals and almost went into veterinary science, had I not been more passionate about fashion. I must say, I still get my animal fix from my two dogs (more like children) Luka and Reina.

What’s next for you?

Next is running House of Northbrook full-time. I currently work a regular nine to five on top of designing but it’s been way overdue that I put myself at the forefront - so keep this name in your back pocket. This won’t be the last time you hear it.

Any up and coming designers we should be privy to?

3:11 or OMOSTUDIOZ

Website: www.omostudioz.com

Martha Studios

Rickie Tang

Riar Designs (pronounced “rare”)

Founded By : Bria Renee

Website: www.riardesignsofficial.com

Gabrielle Cleopatra

These are all my design friends from SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design). Each of them has a unique design style and is extremely talented. Most of them can be found on Instagram so check them out and give them a follow!

Get The House of Northbrook Experience Today!

https://houseofnrthbrk.com

https://www.instagram.com/houseofnrthbrk/
https://www.instagram.com/iman.knox/

Thumbnail Photographed By:

Instagram.com/jakianparks