Paintball is a collection of shirts and hooded sweatshirts that are made to look as though they were worn during an actual paintball game.
By Marsha Mullins
2/6/2005
"Each time a Nema shirt is made, I am creating with the intentions of the wearer standing out from the crowd-which makes the Nema Collection unique. “I would like people to know that my ideas are original. Although other designers have influenced me, my ideas are my own. I have always tried to separate myself from the “crowd” through my wardrobe throughout my life". ” – LeRoy Hall Jr.
When it comes to urban fashion, are you looking for comfort, style or a desire to be recognized for being unique? If you are searching for all of the above look no further. Young urban designer and local hip-hop performer, LeRoy Hall Jr., is making a huge splash here in Pittsburgh.
Hall’s creations consist of graphic, bold expressions of his own artistic creativity. His original ideas and concepts are hand painted on plain t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, jackets and jeans. Leroy has performed at the Shadow Lounge, Rock Jungle and other local showcases. He continues to record music, but has concentrated more of his time to pursue his clothing company in hopes that the capital will provide him with the financial support to launch his music career.
As an artist, LeRoy’s creativity is unmatched in the local community of urban hip-hop designers. His ideas, color schemes and overall vision for his fashion line have set him apart from his competitors. He expresses confident style with his designs, never lacking in experimenting with an idea or vision. He gathers the perfect colors of paint and in a matter of minutes a concept has become a fashion line almost overnight. LeRoy created a niche category of urban influenced line targeting young teens as well as mature adults.
Since 2003, LeRoy has managed to give birth to a fashion collection called Nema (pronounced nee-ma) featuring Fashion Cents, Gates, Paintball and Toy Stories styles- four distinctly different design trends in urban wear. Nema was LeRoy’s late mother’s artist name. His mother owned an art store in Florida where she sold her original paintings. Nema actually is Amen spelled backwards. The name stems from LeRoy's spiritual side where he draws all of his artistic ability.
Fashion Cents is a collection of shirts that contain one penny centered in the middle of the shirt or a contrast of several pennies. The colors of the pennies vary from shirt to shirt. The abstract color of the penny is the main attraction of the pieces of clothing.
Toy Stories is a collection of clothing that displays toys from the past and present. None of the Toy Stories illustrations are “brand name” toys and they are not intended to be identical to any specific brand.
The Gates collection consists of some of LeRoy’s prized work. Gates is the Jamaican word for “home”. Due to LeRoy’s Jamaican bloodlines he chose to name this collection to represent an individual's ancestral homeland or their current home. The clothing line features t-shirts and hoodies bearing country flags, continents and other unique symbols representing nationalities.
LeRoy’s start in the fashion business came out of a necessity to promote his hip-hop music career. He was influenced by the way hip-hop mogul Jay- Z promoted himself by simply stating his name on plain t-shirts when he performed at local concerts. Similarly, Leroy had a performance to do at the now defunct Rock Jungle in Station Square and he and his entourage rocked t-shirts created by him under his artist name 2Face. After the show people were not only impressed by his performance, but expressed a strong interest in the hand painted shirts as well. LeRoy’s marketing and promotion of himself through fashion became a passion and a business that he does out of his home.
Even though LeRoy’s level of experience as a designer is in its apprentice status, he is not out of his league in becoming a local fashion designer with staying power. In the past year, his designs have premiered in local fashion shows hosted by the Urban League (May 2004) and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (Nov. 2004). LeRoy Hall works hard to make sure his brand of clothing is one you will chose if you dare to represent unique artistic quality- a hip-hop trend with a dose of individuality. His level of creativity can only continue to deliver more of a refined and successful urban clothing line.
What can we look for in the future from this young artist? The Nema website will reach completion in 2005 notifying you of LeRoy’s current projects and product availability.
Photo by: Laura Petrilla
If you would like more information on the Nema Collection or Mr. LeRoy Hall Jr. send an email to Nemacollection@hotmail.com.
