Lead Never Follow

BIG Things Often small Beginnings, The story Of Leaders

Standing out in the Chicagoland Urban fashion is something a lot of former stylist have tried to accomplished. Leaders1354 is a meaningful   company that has outlined goals that sets them aside from any other fashion company founded in Chicago.

Leader1354 focuses on building a foundation that reflects more on the message then the actual brand it self. In 2002 owners Diego Ross and Corey Gilkey who are both from Chicago’s Southside area, founded Leaders1354. Diego R. was originally with Sportwear which wasn’t a great success. Soon after he and Corey G. united to make a change in the Chicago culture. Later they venture bigger and better things such a their first store which was located at 1354 E. 53rd Street in Hyde Park. Adding numbers to Leader name was for trade mark purposes which they got from the 1st store address. The inspiration for this fashion outline is LEAD NEVER FOLLOW, giving people the path to go their own way. 

In interviews with Corey and Diego, both expressed the goals of Leader1354. Important views both founders pointed out were “Comfort and Fashion meets” “Being a Leader is -Knowing what you want being educated and having a hard work ethic to go to the next level”. Getting involved with the environment you are selling to is a big part of marketing a brand and Leader does that very well, both founders have a love for helping kids find out what they really want in the future they also mentor children and young adults.

Leaders1345 is and will always be a inspiration to Chicago not only because of the cool clothes but because of the legacy that will always live with people to make a change.

-Mona Lyssa