Fashionably Forward Falcons

Find out how two CB students express themselves through fashion.

Have you ever wished that you knew more about Fashion and Style? Well wish no more! Christian Brothers’ very own Michael Enos (’14) and LJ Johnson (’15) have the inside track on new and upcoming trends.

Both Michael and LJ define fashion as a way to express themselves. Michael states fashion as “wearing your soul inside out, sharing with the world what makes your heart beat through the clothes you wear”.

“Each person has an individual style, but fashion is the overall use of clothes as an expression,” added LJ.

“I make what I like and shut out what others are going to think,” Michael says.

As a talented skateboarder, Michael says his ideas come from brainstorming with fellow skaters and experimenting with intertwining colors and patterns.

Michael started a company called CMF that is known for its line of pocket tees. CMF pocket tees are unique because unlike the usual solid-colored pocket tees, the CMF pocket tees feature different shades of color with a uniquely matched design on the pocket. Check out these one of a kind designs on Instagram at @cmf_clothing.

After considerable research, LJ followed his natural creative instincts and crafted his uniquely designed accessories. His unique choice of material and urban design appeal to the hip and young at heart.

“I love DIY (Do it yourself) activities and I thought that I could transfer that into my love of clothes,” LJ says.

What’s ahead for these two fashion entrepreneurs?

“The only fashion related job/career I can see myself having is maybe modeling?” LJ stated. “Not ramp work [catwalk modeling], I’m too short for that, but maybe commercial and catalog [modeling]?

LJ states that he’s still checking out all the opportunities in the fashion industry and takes things day by day.”

And to all you up and coming designers, some words of wisdom from the CB junior.

“You have to be ready to commit, to make the time and find the courage to put yourself out there and not care about what people think,” he says. “I honestly believe that if I truly cared about other people’s opinions then I wouldn’t be where and who I am today”.

Michael says that he will continue to chase after his dreams and search for new ways to express himself.

“If one day the opportunity presents itself I would be stoked!” the senior says. “I am in it because it’s a passion for expression. Money will never effect how I pursue to express myself”.

His advice to anyone looking to give fashion a try as a way to express yourself.

“If everyone is fishing with a pole but their buckets are dry, don’t be afraid to be the only one standing in the water with a net.”

These two CB students utilize fashion as a way to express themselves and show us how unique our gifts and passions truly are. They are great examples of how someone stepped outside of their comfort zone and discovered a hidden gem.