Local resident Brandon Alston (aka Fresh) is hosting a series of upcoming events as his sustainable fashion brand, Fresh Prince Fits Designs, prepares to transition to Atlanta. After three years in Charleston, Alston is hosting a lineup of farewell events throughout October to celebrate the journey and the community that has supported him along the way.
The events will include live sewing and customization sessions, a creatives' swap meet, and more.
Alston is a costume design and technologies graduate from the College of Charleston. Growing up inspired by The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Alston admired how Will Smith redefined fashion through his unique style. This influence led Alston to create his own personal clothing company, Fresh Prince Fits Designs, a sustainable clothing brand offering a creative alternative to fast fashion.
With a focus on reworking and repairing once loved clothing into alternatively new pieces, Alston ensures every piece tells its own unique story.
He’s contributed to costuming theatre productions, short films, fashion shows, and even developing a custom up-cycled letterman’s jacket for CofC’s basketball coach, Pat Kelsey.
A notable moment in his journey was having his work featured in the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art’s 39th Annual Young Contemporaries Exhibit in 2024. His collection, The Livelihood Project, was developed in collaboration with local musician Mike Live and local screen printing business Eyeland Graphics, explored the intersection of fashion, texture, and technology to create a multi-sensory experience for audiences to engage with.
Here's a look at the event schedule:
Fresh Prince Fits Designs Farewell Pop-Up Event & Tiny Desk Concert
- Date: Sunday, October 13th, 2024
- Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Location: TIMELESS BY CK (Cola Kicks), 1051 King St, Charleston, SC
Alston is offering a rare opportunity to purchase his collection at discounted prices before he relocates to Atlanta, as part of his farewell tour. All remaining pieces will be available, and attendees can also enjoy live sewing and customizations, giving them the chance to personalize their garments with unique patches added on-site.
The event will feature a Tiny Desk-style concert by local Charleston musicians B.A.S.I.C, COSMO, and Jack.
The LIVELIHOOD PROJECT Exhibit at Monster Records
- Date: Thursday, October 24th, 2024
- Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location: 946 Orleans Rd, Charleston, SC 29407
The LIVELIHOOD PROJECT, a unique multi-sensory, mixed-media collaboration, will be showcased at Monster Records from October 21st to 24th. This innovative project is the result of a creative partnership between Mike Livelihood, Eyeland Graphics, and Fresh Prince Fits Designs, fusing fashion, music, and visual art into an immersive, interactive experience.
Drawing inspiration from five tracks on Mike Livelihood’s album The Green Tape, Fresh designed a series of one-of-a-kind hoodies that visually interpret each song. After studying the melodies, lyrics, and themes of the music, Alston developed the initial designs, which were further enhanced through collaborative discussions with Livelihood and Eyeland Graphics. Incorporating unexpected materials like socks and tapestries, alongside techniques such as painting, embroidery, and reflective fabrics, the team crafted five unique garments that represent a blend of art forms.
Each piece is embedded with a pair of headphones connected to an MP3 player that plays the song inspiring the design, accompanied by a design statement explaining the connection between the song and the garment.
The exhibit will conclude with a closing event on October 24th from 4-8 PM, featuring a live DJ set by Eyeland Vibes and an in-store performance by Mike Live w/ special guest Appollo Valdez.
Guests are encouraged to stay for a talkback session with the artists, providing an opportunity to engage with the creative minds behind the project and learn more about the unique fusion of fashion, music, and art.
Halsey Institute - Art in motion
- Date: Saturday, October 26th, 2024
- Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Location: The College of Charleston’s Cistern Yard
The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston celebrates its 40th birthday with funky FUNdraiser: ART IN MOTION! There will be a free parade through the College of Charleston’s campus, followed by a ticketed party featuring a mystery art banner installation in the historic Cistern Yard.
Tickets are $75 for “Not-yet Members” and $50 for current Halsey Members. Purchase your tickets here.
FPF Farewell Creatives Swap Meet
- Date: Sunday, October 27th, 2024
- Time: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location: Eyeland Graphics Studio, James Island, SC
This unique event invites local artists and creatives to bring pieces they’ve been unable to sell or swap and trade them with others in the creative community. The event will feature live music, deep crate DJ sets, MCs, and special guest performances throughout the day, along with food and drinks. Exclusive Fresh Prince Fits tees and crewneck sweatshirts will be available, along with an auction of the Livelihood Project Hoodies.
This event is a celebration of Charleston’s vibrant creative community and a final chance to come together before the next chapter of Fresh Prince Fits begins in Atlanta.
You can learn about FPF here.
