Meet Reuben Shaw | Creative Tailor and Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Reuben Shaw and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Reuben, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I approached my business the same way a screenwriter, producer, or director would a film project. I wanted to create a world and build stories around the characters that inhabit that world. I find that in life the way people dress is their way of telling a story and often that story is influenced by their own environment. The things that I personally feed my mind be it music, art, film, my family, and even religion all had a bearing on my own personal style. I wasn’t interested in mastering one style but exploring many styles because of the many things in life that I had seen and experienced. So I wanted my brand to be a melting pot of creativity that everyone could find a story to relate to or create their own.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It definitely has not been easy but it is rewarding. I have wanted to give up multiple times but each time I am about break, something inside me keeps telling me “you betta not quit”. The business has grown mainly through word of mouth and referral which has given me a very loyal clientele. I can’t quit because my “tank” is still full so to speak, and that’s why I keep going- I have something I want to share with the world. I am David versus Goliath, which is the fashion industry. Every designer has their reasons as to “what sets them apart” but honestly that’s the problem. There is strength in unity and collaboration/partnership. So rather than focusing on how I can “stand out” my focus is to create a community of united creators and tell the stories of style that unite us all. The lesson for me in all of this is that as long as I have the ability to create, then I must keep going to build Oxblood Zebra

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First off, Coffee in the Morning in the East Village at Ludlow is a must. Citi Bikes uptown, got to get your cardio
A string of tours at various museums like the Color Factory and The Whitney
Shots at Tacoria, because why not!?
Shopping and more coffee in Soho
Happy Hour- More Shots
Head to Brooklyn for the Vibes, Music scene and people are dope
Late night burgers at Smashed.
Rooftop at Mr Purples-more shots and dancing

Wash, rinse, repeat> LOL

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! I would have to say my mom. She is probably one of the most talented people I know-she was an accomplished stage performer and dancer, executive, a seamstress and designer. My mom was always the person to push the envelope creatively and encourage thinking out of the box. I would have to say that I get that from her most definitely. You will never have enough time to figure me out because I’m always looking for new things to explore and experience. And just like her there’s no better way to tell a new story than by switching up your style. So definitely, my mom really is the reason why I am doing what I’m doing-in that sense I feel like I am carrying on her legacy of creativity.

Website: Www.theoxbloodzebra.com

Instagram: @theoxbloodzebra