Meet Charles Freeman V | Fashion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charles Freeman V and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charles, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
You can’t let failure define you! Whether it be you didn’t sell out like you expected to, or people didn’t respond to a project how you wish they did, that can’t stop you. My success has come from dealing with those emotions and instead of collapsing, you have to hit the drawing board again and ask yourself what was it that didn’t cause you to reach your desired outcome. While that will help you connect, it give yourself more clarity on what it is you have to do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Currently fashion design is my main form of creative expression. But it’s not the only one. I find inspiration in every aspect of life. That’s helped me connect to people and understand things I didn’t know had such an impact on others lives. The world is bigger than what we deal with because we all deal with the same things but in different ways. We all express it differently as well.

I got to where I’m at today by studying people, being curious about everything. When you put things in a global aspect, you’re forced to learn how to communicate and creating is all about being able to articulate the things in your head in a way anyone might be able to conceptualize. I want people to see my brand and know it came from a place of love, with a mission to empower all in their own way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m from Pasadena California. We have an abundance of nature/scenery combined with history. Whether it be taking a walk around the rose bowl or visiting one of the few waterfalls we have, that connect to nature has done a lot for me. From there you can take a 20-25 minute drive to most of Los Angeles. The Melrose/Fairfax district will give you a taste of the current urban culture of fashion. Aside from that, maybe take a trip to Beverly Hills and Hollywood where you can see the glitz and glamor that creates so much ambition. Along the way you have to stop and grab some good soul food in South Central, or tacos from East LA. The food itself is something worth exploring. Top it off with a car show somewhere throughout the city and see how Angelenos represent themselves. You’ll find inspiration everywhere.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my mother, Monica. She’s provided the space and mental strength I’ve needed to keep my gas on the pedal. Our relationship wasn’t always the best, but as we grow and mature you realize things for what they actually are instead of what you perceive them to be. She’s been patient with me, and recognizing that allowed me to be patient with myself and see life very differently. It shows in my work.

Website: https://www.aristocratv5.com/

Instagram: aristocratv5

Image Credits
@noface.06