J. Alexander Martin co-founded an empire built on originality, urban influence, and industry-changing music. The acclaimed J. Alexander Martin has externalized many successful ventures in the fashion industry including the iconic clothing line FUBU –“For Us By Us” – serving as the co-founder and Vice President. Today, his kingdom includes a clothing line, a non-profit and a consulting firm. Through all of his endeavors, it is his innate talent and ability to predict trends that have caused him to impact the fashion world once again. Rightfully portrayed as the man who made urban culture a part of the mainstream, J’s consistency in fashion has now given him a platform to emerge as an effectual leader once again.
To solely say J is one of the most venerated men in the design industry; would be an understatement. As the VP and Creative Director of FUBU, J’s matriculation to success was not by chance. Born and raised in Hollis Queens New York, his professional desire was realized at a young age. With an evoked confidence, motivation, and a sense of direction, this allowed J to navigate around the traps of urban life that snared many of his peers. With his developed vision to become an efficacious entrepreneur, J attended the Fashion Institute of Technology after courageously serving with the United States Navy during Desert Storm.
Consistently on the fast track to success, and while working to become a buyer for Macy’s department store, J and three of his colleagues Daymond John, Keith Perrin, Carlton Brown commenced the creation of the clothing company FUBU. Always the visionary, J. Alexander Martin capitalized on a prospect and ventured to expand the brand that was then primarily a hat making company. With $5k in hand from a legal settlement, J. Alexander Martin was FUBU’s first investor and launching pad. The initial 5K that J invested to expand the FUBU line turned profits, however, the emerging brand was far from the global empire envisioned.
With J’s creative influence and fashion knowledge, FUBU was quintessentially the first conglomerate for fusing fashion, music, and lifestyle. With notable figures like LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, TLC, and P. Diddy endorsing the brand full steam ahead, FUBU and the culture it created became a phenomenon. The company’s focus expanded to include a multitude of fashionable sportswear and other related casual apparel. FUBU’s niche urban-based products became a global success reporting more than $6B in sales throughout the life of the brand. J and his arsenal of branding skills single-handedly changed the way society and business viewed and invested in hip-hop and urban culture. J guided FUBU causing an indelible mark in an era where Hip-Hop was not yet validated. Notable celebrities like P. Diddy, Nelly, Jay Z and Akon attribute FUBU as being the catalyst to add fashion to their brand as well.
J likens his success to being a non-traditional thinker. The calculation of his diligent work ethic and the particular professional paths he has taken in life reflect ingenuity. Additionally, the wealth of relationships he has grown along the way has made him a seasoned professional in a multitude of disciplines. As Vice President and Creative Director of FUBU/FB and Crown Holder, J’s stylish market trends and industry techniques reflect his strong eye for color coordination, fabric, and embellishments. These inventive qualities are what make his designs stand out from the rest.
J’s zest for creativity and fashion savvy transcends far beyond just urban wear. In the realm of marketing, J is regarded as a branding mastermind. His clothing designs range from urban-contemporary styles to high-end men’s suits, dress shirts, and women’s wear. Continuing on the path of sharpening his skills, J continues to lend his showroom and boardroom expertise to brands and designers in all phases of business through executive/creative consulting. Crown Holder, Kappa, Drunken Monkey, Ted Baker, Coogi, LRG Ladies, Under 2 Flags, Married to the Mob and Heatherette, are in company with many other entities that have seen success with J’s inventiveness and expertise.
J’s unique approach to his profession has proven him to be undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the fashion category. The upcoming “ J. Alexander Martin” line is comprised primarily of luxury menswear and will include accessories, suits, tuxedos, dress shirts, and outerwear. J is truly the authority on fashion and lifestyle. He has built a foolproof system for men’s dress. The daily challenge of looking dapper is obsolete.
When not in the design lab, J Alexander Martin serves as the President of the New York State Black Chamber of Commerce. Poised with a sense of social responsibility & economic development. J. Alexander Martin’s lends a had to platforms that empowerment and strengthen urban communities. His philanthropic commitments have earned him a seat on the board of the "National Black Chamber of Commerce," & “Made For Men” a foundation which donates slightly used suits, men’s wear and counseling to men who are re-entering the workforce either from incarceration or homelessness.
J is the CEO of Fubu Television Network which has VOD cable and broadcast agreements with Dish Network, Verizon & Frontier. It's also available for iOS, Android, Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Fubu Television Network features fashion, design, beauty, interior design, sports lifestyle and multicultural/urban lifestyle-related programming. J stars in Stylemakers, a fashion reality television show.
J is a treasured member of BRAG (Black Retail Action Group) and Fashion 2.0. He is an honorary member of the historical Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. J has been honored with numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to the fashion industry and his business management skills have never gone unrecognized. Some of his accolades include Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2003); Crain’s Business of 40 Under 40 Award (2002). FUBU the Collection became the first recipient of the Essence Achievement Award given to a company, and in 2004, Fashion Icon of the Year Award given by Jesse Jackson Rainbow Push Coalition 2016, the FUBU partners/owners were the first to receive the Asper Award for Global Entrepreneurship from Brandeis University.
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