ALL BLACK Footwear is a fashion-forward women’s designer brand with just the right amount of edge to be acceptable across target groups. The brand focuses on three segments: edgy, young girls, man-tailored looks for women, and fashion sneakers.
ALL BLACK MISSION STATEMENT
Offer fashionable women of all ages affordable, innovative shoe designs, reflecting both the best of the past and the cutting edge of the future — all while putting a smile on their faces and their feet!
Full Name: Martin J. Rose
Current Title/Company: Principal MJRose Associates
Label Name: ALL BLACK
Educational Background: BS Syracuse; MBA Iona
Please tell us: What was your first job, and how did you land that position?
Benton & Bowles Advertising. I interviewed with ad project for Pampers and was hired on the spot.
How have your designs evolved since your first sketch?
I work with a designer in Taiwan. I only provide direction and inspiration and trends.
What have been the biggest challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career, and how were you able to overcome them?
Wanting to continue to be a success after leaving the corporate world. I basically reinvented myself as an entrepreneur in the shoe industry.
How did you learn the ins and outs of owning and operating your brand?
Trial and error and thinking out-of-the-box, not like traditional shoe guys.
As a business owner, how do you achieve a work/life balance?
My wife calls me and reminds me to come home!
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The ALL BLACK has loyal customers who return season after season and have made our brand a success.
What is a typical workday like for you?
Nothing is typical. Every day has its own set of challenges, customer calls, reorders and design research warehouse management accounting issues.
Best moment of your career so far?
Starting a business that is a success after 12 years and still has double-digit growth.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be aware that growing older requires thinking younger.
Go-to coffee order?
Starbucks’ Black Pike Place Venti.
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be and what would you order?
Sorry, I do not eat lunch with anyone but prefer salads in summer and soup in winter.
Best advice you’ve received?
Learn to suffer fools well.
Who would play you in the movie of your life?
Bradley Cooper or Ryan Gosling.
The Nolcha Shows are a leading award-winning event, held during New York Fashion Week for independent fashion designers to showcase their collections to a global audience of press, retailers, stylists and industry influencers. Over the past seven years, the Nolcha Shows have become established as a platform for discovery and have promoted cutting-edge, innovative fashion designers through runway shows and exhibitions.
The team at Chic Galleria is thrilled to collaborate again with the designers featured at the Nolcha Shows. — Beth Anderson, Founder and Senior Editor, Chic Galleria
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