BSU’s Cross Colours at USC is Taking Over
By Zaria Franklin
Cross Colours is a Black-owned business started in 1989 by Carl Jones and TJ Walker. Jones trained at the Otis Parsons Art Institute and also founded the Designers Screen Printing in 1982, which provides T-shirt designs for companies including Guess and Ocean Pacific. He later founded Surf Fetish, a business for “trendy beachwear concern.” TJ Walker became the first of many African-American designers to earn global recognition for his designs through Cross Colours in 1990. He received the Men’s Fashion Association Rising Star Award and the Chrysler Award for Innovation in Design. He also was a member of the President’s commission as part of the NAFTRA agreement and was invited to speak at the White House as a representative of the fashion sportswear industry.
The two fashion designers drew inspiration to start Cross Colours from the emerging hip hop culture in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is the first apparel company to take urban style to the general masses, making $80 million in three years. The message behind Cross Colours is to “create clothing without prejudice.”
I sat down with Pilar Lee and Muriel Clarke, two members of BSU’s Cross Colours to get to know USC’s Black fashion organization a little bit better.
Pilar first came across Cross Colours at Gear Fest through modeling, and learned about their membership program her freshman year. She worked for them throughout the height of the COVID 19 pandemic, leading the organization to ask her to start a club at USC to connect with the community. Since its conception, Cross Colours has expanded with programs at various HBCUs. USC is one of the first PWIs for Cross Colours to reach through the Black Student Union. Pilar currently holds the position of co-director of the club at USC.
Muriel began her journey with Cross Colours as a general member, being attracted by both fashion and finding more of the Black community on campus. After a few semesters as a member and modeling for the company, she was asked to be a part of the team as the Director of Outreach.
ZF: Since we're talking about Black History Month, obviously Black fashion is something that we don't really see very often in mainstream fashion. Do you have any fashion icons that are very popular or prominent in Black culture or that have inspired you?
PL: I love my Blackwood Bag by Brandon Blackwood NYC. So cute. It really goes with everything. That's when I think of Black fashion, but I also think about all of our smaller Black owned businesses like Muriel’s over here, the cutest waist beads in the world! I personally like Upcycle. I know she does as well. So, it's just the way we, ourselves, make our clothes andour outfits, so that we can become a part of this grander, bigger Black fashion. I get a lot of inspiration from Sierra Nicole, @Simply.Cie on Instagram. I think her style is just so cute. Also Emmanuelle Kofi! She’s this French Black girl who has this very coquette, very Chanel kind of style. I always look to her, as well, for fashion and the more girly coquette stuff.
MC: I don't even know where to start. You talk about influencers, so, that makes me think of Aaliyahcore, @Aliyahsinterlude on Instagram, which we've definitely talked about in Cross Colours a little bit. She's kind of pioneering a new aesthetic in Black fashion I think. But I agree that, for me, a lot of my inspiration comes from small businesses, which I think speaks to how important representation is. We obviously lack that representation in the Black community of mainstream fashion, yet the things that we do start all the trends. I do think it is important to have more mainstream inspiration, but I just think of Black Market Flea – all the independent artists that are there that inspire me. For example, I make my own waist beads. I think my friends are my biggest inspiration because I am always looking for what's different and I feel like they are always on top of that and what’s new in fashion before it gets out.
ZF: Both great answers. So, for someone who's new to USC and wants to join Cross Colours, what could they expect to get involved with? What kind of meetings do you guys have? What do you do? Extracurricular activities?
PL & MC (in unison): Fit checks! (laughs).
PL: That's probably what our club is most known for is that we start off every single meeting with fit checks. You just walk us through your outfit: where you've got things from, maybe what vibe you're going for today. And the thing with our fit checks is you don't even have to be really fitted up. People wear sweats and things that are mismatched. We want you to just show off how you're walking around campus today, and it's just a moment to kind of gloat about yourself and show off what you got. After we might have a little presentation we go through around Black fashion history to get the meeting started. Earlier in the semester we had a meeting about Cross Colours specifically in the media. We looked at television shows – most recently on the Sex Lives of College Girls, I saw Willow, one of the girls, was wearing the (Cross Colours) denim jacket. I was like, oh my gosh. Wow, look at us in Sex Lives! And then what I think is really cool about our club is the fact that, I don't wanna say like the real world, but we have you doing actual things. We've done photo shoots where our members get to wear the clothes, maybe even keep some of them as well (laughs). We have a number of fashion shows. We're gonna be in the BSA NPHC Fashion Show coming up in a couple weeks. We will be in Gear Fest as well. So, we have chances for you to help with styling people, modeling, and taking pictures, which I know a lot of people wanna do and might not know how. A lot of our members actually get to be in Cross Colours’s campaigns as well. It's a good chance to actually get out there and show your face.
MC: We always start with a central theme that we're talking about. I think what's so beautiful is that you never know what discussions we're going to spark. I've just learned so much from just sitting back and listening to the conversations that we have. That's important for Black people, but also it's a great way for anyone to learn about the importance of Black fashion and Black history and how those are intertwined. I feel like the fashion industry can be a little bit intimidating sometimes for people, especially for Black people. That's what Cross Colours did for me, at least. It brought me into a safe space to explore all aspects of fashion and to learn and to grow. Fit checks were my favorite part too, because, like Pilar said, even if you're not in your favorite fit ever, you're just wearing sweatpants, it shows what vibe you're on today. It's just so interesting and cool to be able to take time to think about what vibe you're giving to the world. That's what fashion really is. You're sending messages and signals to the world.
ZF: Actually, that reminds me; I remember you guys did a takeover at a Black Student Assembly meeting. I was like “That's so cool!” Usually, that's something that you only see influencers doing. It's a really immersive and fun experience to do with a bunch of people.
MC: I’m glad you liked it! It brings people out of their shell too, which I think is another important thing–
PL: –’Cause we'll just make eye contact and be like “Mm, you haven't gone like what you did –
MC: – I wanna know where you got this outfit from! Please! (laughing)
PL: Exactly. Those pants are cute. Like, give me your secret. (laughing)
ZF: That's really fun! So, to wrap it up, tell me, when are your meetings and then we’ll do three rapid fire questions.
PL: Our meetings are Thursday, 5:00 to 6:00 PM in the CBCSA (Center for Black Culture and Student Affairs). Literally the first floor. You cannot miss us at all. It's so easy. It is a club based in Blackness, but you do not have to be Black to join. We've had people who are not Black come to meetings because, again, we just want to be a safe space for fashion lovers. We love everyone to come!
ZF: Okay. So three quick fire questions. All related to fashion, of course. What is something that you always wear?
PL: I have my rings and then I have a Gemini constellation necklace that I always wear.
MC: I think I've become kind of well known for wearing crochet in general. Oftentimes it's leg warmers, but it's not always weather appropriate. So I always incorporate some kind of crochet cause my mom makes me crochet stuff. Oh, and waist beads! Why didn't I say that?! I never take my waist beads off. Waist beads are definitely my signature jewelry in general.
ZF: Would you say you lean more into trends or are you more into timeless, classic sort of pieces? Or are you into both?
MC: I don't think I would say I give into trends. I'm very inspired by the message of @TinyJewishGirl on TikTok. If you like something, it shouldn't go out of style. You know what I mean? My aesthetic is constantly changing but my style is pretty consistent. If I like something and it's not on trend, I'm still gonna wear it.
ZF: That’s a really beautiful way to put that. My final question is what is one piece of fashion advice that you would give to anyone who's going to see this interview?
PL: I say, overall, just wear what makes you happy and comfortable. There are trends you might be like, “oh my gosh, everyone's dressing this way” or “I wouldn't dress this way.” And then you might even try it and guess what? It might not work for you. It might not fit, look good, sit right etc. And that's honestly fine because you don't need to dress how other people are dressing. You should dress how you dress. Then you'll be confident and comfortable, and that's honestly all you need to do.
MC: I think just adding onto that keyword word: try. For me, it's just about experimenting. That's my advice to anyone trying to find their personal styles. Just experiment, try everything. I have probably worn stuff that I'm like, “ugh, that is not in alignment with my style at the time.” But I tried it, and it was fun, and it was funky.
ZF: Exactly.All right, well thank you guys so much for doing this.
PL: Thank you!
MC: It's been fun!
If you’re a student at USC interested in joining Cross Colours, meetings are every Thursday from 5:00-6:00 PM in the Center for Black Culture and Student Affairs.
Shop Cross Colours here!
The two fashion designers drew inspiration to start Cross Colours from the emerging hip hop culture in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is the first apparel company to take urban style to the general masses, making $80 million in three years. The message behind Cross Colours is to “create clothing without prejudice.”
I sat down with Pilar Lee and Muriel Clarke, two members of BSU’s Cross Colours to get to know USC’s Black fashion organization a little bit better.
Pilar first came across Cross Colours at Gear Fest through modeling, and learned about their membership program her freshman year. She worked for them throughout the height of the COVID 19 pandemic, leading the organization to ask her to start a club at USC to connect with the community. Since its conception, Cross Colours has expanded with programs at various HBCUs. USC is one of the first PWIs for Cross Colours to reach through the Black Student Union. Pilar currently holds the position of co-director of the club at USC.
Muriel began her journey with Cross Colours as a general member, being attracted by both fashion and finding more of the Black community on campus. After a few semesters as a member and modeling for the company, she was asked to be a part of the team as the Director of Outreach.
ZF: Since we're talking about Black History Month, obviously Black fashion is something that we don't really see very often in mainstream fashion. Do you have any fashion icons that are very popular or prominent in Black culture or that have inspired you?
PL: I love my Blackwood Bag by Brandon Blackwood NYC. So cute. It really goes with everything. That's when I think of Black fashion, but I also think about all of our smaller Black owned businesses like Muriel’s over here, the cutest waist beads in the world! I personally like Upcycle. I know she does as well. So, it's just the way we, ourselves, make our clothes andour outfits, so that we can become a part of this grander, bigger Black fashion. I get a lot of inspiration from Sierra Nicole, @Simply.Cie on Instagram. I think her style is just so cute. Also Emmanuelle Kofi! She’s this French Black girl who has this very coquette, very Chanel kind of style. I always look to her, as well, for fashion and the more girly coquette stuff.
MC: I don't even know where to start. You talk about influencers, so, that makes me think of Aaliyahcore, @Aliyahsinterlude on Instagram, which we've definitely talked about in Cross Colours a little bit. She's kind of pioneering a new aesthetic in Black fashion I think. But I agree that, for me, a lot of my inspiration comes from small businesses, which I think speaks to how important representation is. We obviously lack that representation in the Black community of mainstream fashion, yet the things that we do start all the trends. I do think it is important to have more mainstream inspiration, but I just think of Black Market Flea – all the independent artists that are there that inspire me. For example, I make my own waist beads. I think my friends are my biggest inspiration because I am always looking for what's different and I feel like they are always on top of that and what’s new in fashion before it gets out.
ZF: Both great answers. So, for someone who's new to USC and wants to join Cross Colours, what could they expect to get involved with? What kind of meetings do you guys have? What do you do? Extracurricular activities?
PL & MC (in unison): Fit checks! (laughs).
PL: That's probably what our club is most known for is that we start off every single meeting with fit checks. You just walk us through your outfit: where you've got things from, maybe what vibe you're going for today. And the thing with our fit checks is you don't even have to be really fitted up. People wear sweats and things that are mismatched. We want you to just show off how you're walking around campus today, and it's just a moment to kind of gloat about yourself and show off what you got. After we might have a little presentation we go through around Black fashion history to get the meeting started. Earlier in the semester we had a meeting about Cross Colours specifically in the media. We looked at television shows – most recently on the Sex Lives of College Girls, I saw Willow, one of the girls, was wearing the (Cross Colours) denim jacket. I was like, oh my gosh. Wow, look at us in Sex Lives! And then what I think is really cool about our club is the fact that, I don't wanna say like the real world, but we have you doing actual things. We've done photo shoots where our members get to wear the clothes, maybe even keep some of them as well (laughs). We have a number of fashion shows. We're gonna be in the BSA NPHC Fashion Show coming up in a couple weeks. We will be in Gear Fest as well. So, we have chances for you to help with styling people, modeling, and taking pictures, which I know a lot of people wanna do and might not know how. A lot of our members actually get to be in Cross Colours’s campaigns as well. It's a good chance to actually get out there and show your face.
MC: We always start with a central theme that we're talking about. I think what's so beautiful is that you never know what discussions we're going to spark. I've just learned so much from just sitting back and listening to the conversations that we have. That's important for Black people, but also it's a great way for anyone to learn about the importance of Black fashion and Black history and how those are intertwined. I feel like the fashion industry can be a little bit intimidating sometimes for people, especially for Black people. That's what Cross Colours did for me, at least. It brought me into a safe space to explore all aspects of fashion and to learn and to grow. Fit checks were my favorite part too, because, like Pilar said, even if you're not in your favorite fit ever, you're just wearing sweatpants, it shows what vibe you're on today. It's just so interesting and cool to be able to take time to think about what vibe you're giving to the world. That's what fashion really is. You're sending messages and signals to the world.
ZF: Actually, that reminds me; I remember you guys did a takeover at a Black Student Assembly meeting. I was like “That's so cool!” Usually, that's something that you only see influencers doing. It's a really immersive and fun experience to do with a bunch of people.
MC: I’m glad you liked it! It brings people out of their shell too, which I think is another important thing–
PL: –’Cause we'll just make eye contact and be like “Mm, you haven't gone like what you did –
MC: – I wanna know where you got this outfit from! Please! (laughing)
PL: Exactly. Those pants are cute. Like, give me your secret. (laughing)
ZF: That's really fun! So, to wrap it up, tell me, when are your meetings and then we’ll do three rapid fire questions.
PL: Our meetings are Thursday, 5:00 to 6:00 PM in the CBCSA (Center for Black Culture and Student Affairs). Literally the first floor. You cannot miss us at all. It's so easy. It is a club based in Blackness, but you do not have to be Black to join. We've had people who are not Black come to meetings because, again, we just want to be a safe space for fashion lovers. We love everyone to come!
ZF: Okay. So three quick fire questions. All related to fashion, of course. What is something that you always wear?
PL: I have my rings and then I have a Gemini constellation necklace that I always wear.
MC: I think I've become kind of well known for wearing crochet in general. Oftentimes it's leg warmers, but it's not always weather appropriate. So I always incorporate some kind of crochet cause my mom makes me crochet stuff. Oh, and waist beads! Why didn't I say that?! I never take my waist beads off. Waist beads are definitely my signature jewelry in general.
ZF: Would you say you lean more into trends or are you more into timeless, classic sort of pieces? Or are you into both?
MC: I don't think I would say I give into trends. I'm very inspired by the message of @TinyJewishGirl on TikTok. If you like something, it shouldn't go out of style. You know what I mean? My aesthetic is constantly changing but my style is pretty consistent. If I like something and it's not on trend, I'm still gonna wear it.
ZF: That’s a really beautiful way to put that. My final question is what is one piece of fashion advice that you would give to anyone who's going to see this interview?
PL: I say, overall, just wear what makes you happy and comfortable. There are trends you might be like, “oh my gosh, everyone's dressing this way” or “I wouldn't dress this way.” And then you might even try it and guess what? It might not work for you. It might not fit, look good, sit right etc. And that's honestly fine because you don't need to dress how other people are dressing. You should dress how you dress. Then you'll be confident and comfortable, and that's honestly all you need to do.
MC: I think just adding onto that keyword word: try. For me, it's just about experimenting. That's my advice to anyone trying to find their personal styles. Just experiment, try everything. I have probably worn stuff that I'm like, “ugh, that is not in alignment with my style at the time.” But I tried it, and it was fun, and it was funky.
ZF: Exactly.All right, well thank you guys so much for doing this.
PL: Thank you!
MC: It's been fun!
If you’re a student at USC interested in joining Cross Colours, meetings are every Thursday from 5:00-6:00 PM in the Center for Black Culture and Student Affairs.
Shop Cross Colours here!