Making History: Jimmy Burner’s NYFW Debut
At 18 years of age Erwin Portis Jr., aka Jimmy Burner, is burning up this spring’s New York Fashion Week. With his “League of Legends” Collection showcased at the Stewart Hotel in Midtown, the Houston native becomes one of the youngest designers to display during one of fashion’s biggest hours.
As the leader of his brand (deciding on every facet of the business) Jimmy combines his exuberance and creativity with a work ethic and focus far beyond his years – gleaned no doubt from his parents’ penchant for entrepreneurial endeavors. All one could see preshow however was the realization of a dream, showing itself as a calm yet antsy disposition on the young designer’s bright, eager face.
“It came so fast,” he told me while we sat in the VIP lounge minutes before his NYFW debut. In between a last run through and wardrobe change Jimmy clued me on what to expect in his show. It will be “an experience,” he explained: “Starts off crazy, then turns to smooth and calm,” like a, “wake up, it’s time for the show,” to then slowly mellow out and, “end smoothly.” This progression was cleverly executed by the deliberate placement of songs from some of the designer’s favorite artists.
The pieces from his show were inspired interestingly enough by a jacket he discovered, accounting for the influx of greens, reds, beiges and blues displayed throughout the collection. “Calm but Crazy,” is what he has in mind with this installment. “They aren’t crazy,” in the sense that they’re impractical, he wants to create pieces that, “each person can wear, every day, over and over;” but crazy in a way that encourages people, “to be who [they] are, and don’t change,” at least not in an attempt to appease others.
Jimmy Burner is not at all worried about fitting in, nor is his alter ego Jimmy Bolt who he said really, “doesn’t give a (expletive). He is his own boss, making his way not merely in business, but in life. With determination and belief found from the passing of his father and two best friends – who always encouraged his dreams – he has established his footing: “I’m doing this for them,” he said steadfastly.
The “League of Legends” Collection is continuing to reveal to the world who Jimmy is, giving glimpses of what he’s doing and what all there is to come. “Take from what a person gives you, while they’re there,” Jimmy told me as a reminder from his dad. For sure the world should take heed, and enjoy all the creations and personality Jimmy Burner has to offer.
Anthony Brown
