James Whitner Discusses Why There is a Lack of Black Ownership in Streetwear | PLEASE EXPLAIN

[@SirEddieC]

this is one of the Blackest things i’ve ever seen on complex + i’m super grateful for it. i knew (and surely aria knew as well) that there would be people in the comments absolutely committed to not getting it, but i’m happy james touched on that during the interview. “what’s understood ain’t gotta be explained”. y’all did an incredible job of having such a candid conversation. excited to watch this series grow + very happy to see us championing / platforming us.

[@RobertOwusuIII]

Complex has been stepping up. We need more interviews and conversations that are progressive like this!

[@Itsjusdion]

Aria is one of the main reasons I rock with Complex! great work as always

[@joserc7392]

S/O to Aria for being such a great editor. Man I am enjoying Complex more than ever!

[@priticolours]

like their insta or website!!!

[@geocyo8835]

I didn't know she was in charge. Maybe I'll re-engage. Thank you.

[@inkstamist]

Best interview I've seen this year. Inspiring, connected, provoking. 👑👏🏾

[@kerethlewis5280]

Madam editor should do more interviews, I hope this show is hers to do

[@paulthenigerian]

Never comment on videos but James Whitner is the GOAT in this business 🫶🏿 huge inspiration. Hopeful to have as mentor one day.

[@gofree3222]

Great interview, you asked the hard Questions and Bro did not back down 💪🏾🗣️

[@JamesVader47xx]

I love this. I met James 2x he even showed me love and didn't know me from anyone else respect and love what him and the team are doing. Love brother

[@vicwithav]

I knew the name but had never heard him speak. Very intelligent and insightful stuff.

[@ghoastgabi9233]

You should check out the Business of HYPE episode 7 from season 3. Hosted by Jeff Staple. He was radiating the power of no excuse.

[@jayflu]

I appreciated this interview, so much inspiration to see a man that I can identify with push the limits in the fashion industry. It’s my biggest dream to do exactly what he’s doing. Thank you for this interview.

[@HerFancyLifestyle]

Great interview, love the questions Aria asked. Really insightful. Please more interviews with Aria. Love the braids and outfit 😍

[@adrianderrick9957]

G-check yourself, "are you really built, committed and dedicated to this work?" is certainly what I learned throughout this interview. Aria you did incredible job with a gifted task, you've continued to blossom before our eyes. Nothing but love to Complex & James for bringing this considerate conversation to the forefront. We truly are privileged to witness the great yet "complex" leader James Whitner truly is, and intake an immense amount of adversity, inspiration & vulnerability needed to be applied within all of our skillsets to be successors in any space. Ok none of that was necessary, and no one asked for the OD comment but honestly thank you @complex for producing this feature!

[@destinyaliyah]

Extremely grateful to have worked for the Whitaker Grp for abt two years. I worked at APB and Social. I was able to see myself in everything the company did, which made my dreams look more like a reality than not. Before even working for the company I had a deep admiration for both James and Aria! Seeing Aria as a Black woman in streetwear and fashion media was the representation I needed as a young creator who worked to be in the same spaces. I love when these two talk bcause it’s always thought-provoking and nothing less than inspirational. much appreciation for this conversation🤞🏿

[@pp181000]

I hope this is episode 1 and I haven’t missed out on this beautiful smart woman

[@d0ntchange]

Much respect and blessed success to James and his entire team at AMM

[@oxunltd]

Such a fabulous interview! Can’t wait for the next one

[@mdallen_392]

Great Interview. I've been loving the A Ma Maniere brand for three years and have most of all of their Jordan products. It's a great brand, I will always support them

[@mckinley33]

Man I love James. I can relate to his story telling! Dude is like our version of Luke Cage!

[@12onMondays]

This was such a good and important interview. Aria was excellent. And I gained a ton of respect for James and how he moves. More of this please!

[@nicolasbessa7864]

Great format !! Support from Paris 🙌🏿✊🏿🇫🇷

[@FANATICALLYSICK]

James Whitner is always about the culture! In this business, you hear a lot of people say they're the culture, yet they don't truly represent for the culture. Whitner's entire approach fosters tutelage for the youth while staying true to sneaker and fashion culture. I would like to know what's that hidden sneaker with the question mark that was shown in the beginning of this video?

[@stevenrobinson3087]

This was an insightful interview. Y’all are both so colorful. Love your energy Aria! Keep going 🙏🏾

[@lisabrown3438]

Excellent interview all around. I didn’t have any of the context cuz I’m not in this world, but I hung on every word. Truly great content. Well done. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@spacebape111]

MORE OF THIS!!! Loved the context in the beginning!

[@anthonythompson226]

Beautiful content. Reminds me of Canvas Malibu. Black excellence. Being educated and successful without being white washed. It’s beautiful to watch

[@moebang7599]

I really have been enlightened on the brand as a whole. I’m a huge supporter of black fashion brands and also sneakers were a big part of my childhood growing up. I appreciate his passion on growing the scope of how the industry works and our place in it. Key is to support our own!!!! Unapologetically and with intent but support it and stay away from ppl who want to distract with talk of conspiracy theories based on their belief of a false narrative about his business model.

[@TehMr]

Lavellier mics would help when the guest is animated moving away from the overhead microphone, adjusting the horizon and fine tuning the contrast in exposure will elevate the visuals of this show.Amazing platform and Aria is just bringing a wave of change at Complex

[@Artprojects1017]

Great interview! Enjoyed this and s/o James telling his story definitely inspired me!

[@DChristie]

The interview we needed!

[@timmhotepaku6326]

Her blouse/shirt is so fire lol Also she's asking some great questions about this biz

[@JeffreySmallwood]

I love the fact he has 26 stores. A black store owner in this space is amazing and so authentic and True.

[@alexiscolby3863]

Really really really enjoyed this conversation. The right questions were asked and the answers were on point! I’m excited for the next episode aria!! Good job ❤

[@bruvablake1056]

Complex is culture again.

[@draco9277]

I fininally finished watching the whole interview, and wow what an incredible in-depth interview. I'm not black so I can't relate to many of the specifics that were mentioned, but as an exercise in trying to understand the hows and whys I have truly learned alot. Well done Complex, and Im excited for the next one!

[@moebang7599]

Thank you for sharing the ability to have an open mind to this.

[@Vanityvizione]

I f** with how he stayed the same. The way he talk, the way he dress, how he carry hisself 💯 his character 💯 Most of these dudes get to his level and start acting weird.. Salute to you 💯

[@kenancorbett5426]

I’m a new fan. Great content, Keep Going 🏁

[@BlackMarketCreatives]

The Interview i didn’t know i needed!

[@WhatUpLeRonn]

Great interviewer & interviewee. Dod they know each other before hand. Great chemistry. Great conversations. They should do a show together.

[@VoryStockton]

Well articulated.

[@horaciofields8766]

Amazing interview !!!!

[@sohodon]

this.. we need more of this. S/O to James Whitner for staying comfortable in his own skin

[@jodimorgan624]

great interview

[@nhlanhlazwane9465]

Dope Convo!

[@kace.___9804]

This episode made me appreciate being black even more.

[@obaiman123]

🌻

[@BlakeHough]

Im glad I took time out to watch this.

[@jaeshellz]

Great interview. Well done 👍🏾

[@CROOKNYC]

Amazing conversation that is incredibly insightful.

[@Air234evaa]

Great interview 🙏🏽👏🏽✊🏽, Thank you Aria Hughes Side note: I wish our kind ( Black ppl ) stood together more ….🙏🏽

[@dalij-CT]

This was really good

[@wardrobewithwhitney4479]

🔥🔥🔥🔥 fire episode

[@maflorogers288]

Dope Interview, All I Ask For Is Consistency And I Hope Its Around Fashion Cause We Already Have Idea Generation Which Covers Everything Can This Just Be About Apparel And Sneaker Culture I Guess We Shall See 👀 Totally Loved This Show ❤

[@madestdmedia]

Very insightful. Felt like he was giving her game the entire interview

[@ariesjordan94]

Aria is awesome

[@johngillians1027]

“ Streetwear “ style is absolutely grafted from blacks in America . However like everything else jazz , hip hop , etc it’s always those that don’t even like us who profit off our manifestations.

[@Yesyou_]

I’ll give it to her she asked him straight up did you backdoor but his answer told me all needed to know he obviously dodged the question and yes their is proof he was backdooring pairs to a reseller in china all That offseason stuff was a whole different thing and he used that to his advantage in answering the question so in Clear English he did backdoor sneakers especially during the pandemic when sneakers were reselling for ridiculous prices I know people and myself included that didn’t win not even 1 raffle for pair of Jordan’s from 2020 to 2023

[@Yesyou_]

Look at how his demeanor changes when asked about backdooring all of a sudden he’s not as bold

[@quique7764]

Yeah, not so bold more like u see wh-what had happened was....

[@ciaragee5484]

He’s such an inspiration, I ain’t even know that this case was happening

[@GabrielFortson]

Excellent…!

[@eugenmartinas1832]

Anybody else getting Denzel vibes? This man has swag! We need more interesting interviews like this one!!!

[@civilgod]

Thank you thank you thank you, what a beautiful episode. Mr Whitner ✊🏿, to the host, sheesh 😍😍😍.

[@sallymonaeh]

We want to own materials, not businesses. You know how much work that is?

[@lindadukes]

I enjoyed his answers to a few of those questionable questions surrounding his storytelling and making others feel comfortable.

[@Fortniteclandanny]

It's always something...

[@chanyoung3725]

Why shouldn't Black people be able to criticize Black businesses?

[@destructichron5]

Flowers to Aria 💐

[@PrinceMalachi7]

I'm working hard to do my part

[@obaiman123]

Hope you’re still working on your part. I am as well. 🌻

[@qu3nt]

totally agree with mr backdoor on Air Yeezy 1

[@DSiri0039]

Why are there few black owners in streetwear? - firstly go ask successful black individuals with large amounts of capital; why do you not invest or buy businesses in streetwear? Most will give the same answer, taking their capital elsewhere with better chances of return and lower risk.

[@Doreencollective]

More interviews and content like this....

[@budgetsneakerh3ad]

Excellent interview. Also, how is explaining the process similar to how Marshall's gets clothes answering the question "did you backdoor?"

[@karloos0]

Just ship the J4 😥

[@capricedixon929]

Anyone else notice she said 7 drops. We thought it was on 6 what is the secret Drop? What sneaker is it?

[@mattcollins7979]

The ones he’s wearing

[@d.felixphoto2260]

Can i get a size 14 in them Jordan's he got on! Sheesh!!!! That man stay with 🔥🔥🔥. I respect to the fullest his passion and creative eye. He is unapologetically black. I love it. I don't care what what they say he did or did not do. He is a visionary and needs to be protected.

[@tucool2c]

I'm liking those 3s he's wearing right now!!

[@joshuaiowa2190]

I've notice black own brands limit themselves by over designing and catering to a small demographic and base their whole identity on the trend of the moment...

[@justanotherisekaiprotagoni7293]

Where's the next episode yall

[@lasoul680]

I’ll have to say being from SoFlo and moving to Pitts for 2 years. If you can make it out of Pitts you’re a different type of hustler

[@kevnkicks1]

Great interview. I appreciate you giving him the opportunity to speak about his journey and for him to share is truth. Continuing to create spaces for black and brown people is important, especially where they can talk about navigating professionally in a white corporate space is critical to help change narratives from all people. Looking forward to future episodes.

[@khaldub]

Shout out Aria

[@rongosserandsneakersteez3566]

MAN I don’t care about homies background, the backdooring or any of this hero talk…..🤬 I want to know why we ordered the 4’s and not going to get them until 2029. WHERE my 4’s at BROTHER😂

[@jeremyzeeky3024]

I wonder if they waited to drop this interview until AFTER they dodged the fed case lol

[@NotARandomUser1234]

Probably

[@statikfeedbak]

Probably thinking the same thing everyone is tbh. But can you blame him? Dude’s doing so much to support causes within the community, not to mention putting out great pieces for the culture. I hope he can get back to focusing on his goals.

[@ronteezy5241]

definitely did

[@JamesVader47xx]

I mean they talk about the case so of course

[@Artofchuckstyles]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@Shoelitos_Way24]

Should asked why they charge so much for shipping and shoes take so long to get. Facts.

[@kyledayson4642]

👏🏿 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@edhardyroka]

Dawg there was like 42 ads in this video smh

[@HotSauce02228]

Yes i understood what he said but Can someone start a petition so the masses can get those Hand Washed AJ 3’s?

[@alprenticeyoung5969]

DOPE

[@qu3nt]

If he was all about his community helping young black people in their struggle why he was allegedly backdooring to chinese resellers? And btw now that he has all eyes on him J4 was sitting on AMM website

[@melvinwashington5257]

What’s on his feet!? 🤔

[@214Ro]

👀👀👀

[@ninobeatz_iOS]

That’s the question!!! WYWS #7??

[@quique7764]

Mb upcoming 3's or sample the didn't make when they made the recent 3.

[@ammaralam295]

Mans said they spend half a mill to block bots out I still ain’t win a AMM raffle 😂

[@aaronlawson9791]

Very, very, very good interview black power keep your eye on the devil’s

[@lindadukes]

I plan on launching a streetwear brand.

[@Yesyou_]

This guy is a cornball if he was really for black culture he wouldn’t be backdooring all his Jordan’s to an Asian reseller leaving his people to pay insane prices for sneakers

[@MrCarlin124]

Ive never seen a woman look so good in foams

[@BlackFabio-ATA]

No they don’t , brands need us.

[@lindadukes]

What about if you grew up in the suburbs and might have a different Black experience?

[@lindadukes]

Not necessarily a result a rich experience but not one who grew up in the projects or around a lot of blackness.

[@khaldub]

18:42 this part

[@khalidSki7]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@meadedominique273]

Is what he's wearing the 7th shoe?? I keep pausing everytime he adjusts😂