FALL RIVER — Just a few months after launching his own fashion line, Fall River native Jeremy Lavoie is designing for NBA players, and working on bringing his skills back to his home city.
“Things have gone in so many different directions,” he said.
Earlier this year, Lavoie and his brother, Jonathan Lavoie, both graduates of Fall River public schools, launched J.L. Creative Studios to sell their designs. The brand features streetwear like T-shirts, basketball shorts and hats, and specializes in hand-painted canvas vests and jackets.
More:‘It all started with one artist’: Fall River native Jeremy Lavoie launching fashion brand
Working with Chris Brickley’s Color Blind line
Even before officially launching the brand, Lavoie had already found success selling custom vests to artists like rapper David East. And in recent months, more and more high-profile people have started to take notice. NBA trainer Chris Brickley and players like Kevin Porter Jr. and Carmelo Anthony have been recent customers. J.L. Creative Studios is working on a collaboration with Brickley’s own fashion line, Color Blind, to create gear for NBA players at his elite training gym, Black Ops.
As a lifelong basketball player and fan, Lavoie said, their support feels “surreal.” And, NBA players tagging his brand in their social media posts have played a part in its growth.
“Some of my favorite players are DMing me on Instagram,” he said. “I had no idea it was going to happen this fast.”
More:‘It all started with one artist’: Fall River native Jeremy Lavoie launching fashion brand
The brand’s first clothing line, which launched this spring, is called “Act Like You Know.” Lavoie said it’s a nod to having to fight the urge to fawn and snap selfies when he first started working with basketball players and famous artists.
“You have to act like you’ve been here before,” he said.
J.L. Creative Studios’ Fall River pop-up store planned for Aug. 21
Their second line will be released in September and is titled “Sorry Mom,” meant to connect with anyone who has a complicated relationship with their mother.
“A lot of us owe our mom an apology for whatever reason. And a lot of us grow away from our mom and don’t stay in contact with them as much as they could,” Lavoie said. “We’re putting out meaningful slogans with each chapter and each season.”
On Aug. 21, J.L. Creative Studios will hold a pop-up store beginning at noon on South Main Street in Fall River, at the site of the former Adagio Piano Lounge. The store will feature special items designed just for the city, like T shirts and shorts in black and red to represent B.M.C. Durfee High School’s school colors.
“We want this Fall River event to be special because it’s our hometown,” he said.
Lavoie will work with kids in Durfee’s fashion program
They plan to donate profits from the Fall River pop-up to Durfee’s fashion program. Starting this fall, Lavoie and his brother with be helping out with the program, giving students lessons on things like sewing and creating designs. They also are working to connect with several middle schools in the city to do something similar.
Lavoie lives in New York City, where he works as a social worker at a school in the Bronx. But, he said, the opportunity to make a Fall River kid’s day by giving away some merch or sharing tips for success means the frequent trips to Fall River are worth it.
“There’s no better feeling,” he said.
Audrey Cooney can be reached at acooney@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News today.
