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Meet Donte Bryson Jr. Designer and Creative behind BRYLAMAR.
I came across Donte’s video on Tik Tok where he announced his newest design, The ‘Carlatta’ bag. I found the bag to be so unique and classic in detail that I decided to take a look into his work and loved what I saw.
I wanted to share his brand and his story here on FASH FWD:
What is the inspiration behind BRYLAMAR?
DONTE:“The inspiration behind BRYLAMAR was born from my love for art in all its forms. Since I was a kid, I’ve always been drawn to creating, sketching, writing stories, filming skits. Art was second nature to me. It was my outlet. But for a long time, it felt like just a hobby.
In 2020, before my dad passed, we had a conversation that changed everything. He told me he felt I should get into fashion. After losing him, I decided to take that seriously. With no formal training, I taught myself how to design and build a brand from scratch.
As a junior, I combined our last name, Bryson, and our shared middle name, Lamar, and created BRYLAMAR. Every design, every drop, every milestone, he’s with me, juggling responsibilities and quietly holding onto that vision in the background.”
TELL us about your love for designing and what’s your creative process like?
DONTE: “My love for design is rooted in storytelling. Most of my pieces start with a person or a moment that means something to me. From there, I build a world around it.
A lot of my sketches pull from my time in the U.S. Navy and my appreciation for military uniforms. I’m drawn to structure, clean lines, and intention. I also find inspiration in architecture, especially asymmetry and the way a building can command attention without saying a word.
Lately, I’ve been inspired by 70s and 80s fashion, so you’ll see subtle nods to that in future collections.
At the core of it all, I design to tell stories. It’s therapeutic for me. It’s one of the few places where I can build without limits.”
In his
Bag
What inspired you to create your newest design, “The Carlatta Bag”?
DONTE: “The Carlatta Bag became BRYLAMAR’s hero product, and it’s named after my mom’s middle name.
Growing up, I watched her get ready for girls’ nights, carefully putting together her outfit and finishing it with the perfect bag. Even as a kid, I understood how much that final touch mattered. It changed her energy. She’d light up.
When I designed the Carlatta, I wanted it to feel timeless but eye-catching. I pulled from my love of mid-century modern architecture and created an asymmetrical silhouette that feels structured yet distinct. At the same time, it had to be functional, so I added an adjustable detachable strap and interior pockets for versatility.
At the core, I design for my mom. And for women everywhere who deserve to feel that same confidence and shift in energy the moment they put their bag on and step into a room.”
As a designer, do you have an ideal client that you would love to show off your designs? Who was BRYLAMAR made for?
DONTE: “BRYLAMAR was made for Dreamers Who Do. That’s our slogan, but it’s also our foundation.
I design for people who are actively building the life they see in their head. The ones who understand that fashion isn’t just clothing or accessories. It’s art. It’s storytelling. The right piece can shift how a room sees you and how you see yourself.
Right now, my focus is on women. Women who are chasing something bigger and want to show up in style while doing it. But as our community and team continue to grow, I fully plan to expand into menswear. The vision has always been bigger than one lane.
At the core, I design to elevate self-esteem and identity. No matter your gender, race, or background, if you’re a dreamer putting in the work, BRYLAMAR is for you.”
the Year of brylamar
Give us the scoop! What can we expect to see from BRYLAMAR in 2026?
DONTE: “2026 is a foundational year for BRYLAMAR. We’ve welcomed a wave of new customers from all over the world, so this year is about moving with intention. We’re focused on expanding the Carlatta Bag collection with new colors, refining the design, and elevating the overall BRYLAMAR experience.
That means growing the team, upgrading our packaging, investing in stronger visuals, and bringing our community even closer behind the scenes.
It’s less about rushing and more about building the right foundation for the legacy fashion house I’m creating.”
Designer Picks
Out of all of the pieces you’ve designed, which piece is your favorite that is an ABSOLUTE must have for everyone’s closets?
DONTE: “That’s a hard one, but it would have to be between the Daydreamer Biker Jacket I designed in 2024 and the Carlatta Bag we released in 2025.
The jacket holds a special place in my heart. It was bold, structured, and full of attitude. I’m actually working on bringing it back with a twist and a new name because I still receive private messages about it to this day. That lets me know it made an impact.
And of course, the Carlatta Bag is our hero piece. It’s timeless, architectural, and versatile. It represents everything BRYLAMAR stands for right now.
In due time, BRYLAMAR will fill up everyone’s closet. We’re building intentionally, and I’m excited for what’s coming next..”
Get Social!
Social Media:
IG: @brylamar
TikTok: @brylamar
Website:
Brylamar.com
If an aspired designer asked you for advice, what would you give them?
DONTE: “If an aspiring designer asked me for advice, the first thing I’d say is slow down.
Be delicate with your art. Don’t just create to fill space. Really think about what you’re putting into the world. Yes, you should understand your consumer, but I believe it starts with you as the designer. What story do you want to tell? What world are you building? What will you still be proud of ten years from now?
People can feel when something has heart. And they can also feel when it doesn’t.
So take your time. Create with intention. Let your work mean something that will outlive you.”
Dear Readers, Thank you for taking the time to read up this special issue of FASH FWD. I started this publication to not only share my love for fashion, but to help other fashion creatives share their stories and the brands they’ve built. My goal is to make sure the creatives are able to connect with community and by you reading this helps me do just that! THANK YOU. A letter from the Editor:
Editor & Creative Director: Ashley SimienPhoto Credits: Donte Bryson Jr.