Known as the Queen of Leggings and Couture Body Suits, Angel Brinks is a fashion designer whose sexy dare-to-wear, one-of-a-kind pieces have been popping up nationwide at award shows, red carpet appearances and in magazine spread’s on today’s hottest performers and TV actresses.
Fans of the brand include stars such as Blac Chyna, Lil’ Kim, Ashanti, Trina and Draya, who have all been credited with “breaking the internet” in the sexy collection.
Angel Brinks Fashion originally launched in 2010 with the creation of flashy leggings and body suits, and quickly grew to include head-turning dresses, lingerie, rompers, denim and jackets. Angel Brinks has participated in the highly-acclaimed New York Fashion Week (2012) and Facet Studio’s Fashion Show (2013 and 2014), as well as in local fashion shows from coast-to-coast.
The talented fashion designer currently stars on VH1’s hit TV series, “Basketball Wives L.A.”
A native of Hollywood, Calif., Angel Brinks continues to motivate her customers to embrace their body and explore their inner celebrity bombshell.
Hi Angel please tell us about you?
I am from Hollywood, California, born and raised, however my background is Armenian. I am a mother of 2 lovely children who are my world! I am a fashion designer with a unique clothing line. I am a very determined, ambitious person. I am God fearing, kind, generous, and most people will tell you I am a very strong person.
How did you get in the industry?
I have always had an eye for fashion. Growing up in the performing arts, and in Hollywood/Los Angeles, I was always around the flashing lights, glitz and glam. I used to pretend I had a clothing store when I was a little girl, and saved all my allowance money to buy a cash register. After that, a little older, I would go to Vintage stores, and buy clothes for $1 and start cutting them up and sewing them together. My grandmother used to sew in her spare time, so I would sit with her and watch. As I got older, I would shop around and wish to find items, designs I had stuck in my head that I knew I would look hot in. I could never find anything I truly loved, and would shop in stores everyone else did. So I decided to create my own designs and go out in them. I attended college at night, and worked a 9 to 5. My parents always wanted me to be a doctor or lawyer, but I insisted to go the artistic route.
Tell us a little about your company Angel Brinks Fashion?
My clothing line is for those who think outside the box. My items mostly are edgy, sexy, and stand-outish. That’s just me. Nothing wrong with ordinary, but in order to separate yourself from the rest, one must be different. What I bring to the fashion industry, is confidence as well. We live in a society where women are proud of their curves. We are working out more. We are taking care of our bodies more. We want to look good. We want to stand out. My line started out just leggings, and now I have everything to offer from bodysuits, dresses, jeans, to ballroom gowns. My items are flashy, contain sequins, glitter, shreds, velvet, and stretchy materials. Everything girls love!
What part of your job do you find the most challenging?
I think the most challenging part of my job is balancing work with my family as any ambitious business woman knows. I am so passionate about my designs and customers that I often have to remind myself, it’s ok to take a day off. I’ve started working from home a lot more so that I can have the best of both worlds. I don’t want to miss a second of my kids growing up. It happens so fast!
I would have to say
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Creative, Caring, and Loving
You first came onto the scene as a model, what was it like to transition to a fashion designer?
I was never really a model. I had model jobs. I’m not sure how I ever got that title. However, although my images online are mostly me modeling my items, I never really considered myself a model. When my store launched, it was only me seen wearing my items when I would be out and about networking. So I guess you can say I was technically modeling! So when girls see it on me, they wanted it too!
What is your favorite part about being a fashion designer?
My favorite part is being able to create new designs. It does something to me. I get excited, seeing my samples come to life, and then being able to see other beautiful ladies across the world happy to be seen in them makes me complete!
Where have we seen your brand?
Oh man, everywhere!! Red carpets, TV shows, music videos, movies, concerts, on celebrities, on back up dancers. TV reality stars, at beaches, in the club, on dinner dates.. pretty much everywhere 🙂
Where we can buy your designs?
There are a few stores nationwide that carry my line, and new stores signing up weekly! But for the most part, www.angelbrinks.com will have everything and is the most up to date!
Where do you get your inspiration from?
What inspires me, is my passion. I truly love clothing. I’m very creative and full of ideas. It’s like my brain doesn’t want to stop. I want to get to be where the big, top designers are, and I just feel if I sit around and wait for it to come, it won’t. So I strive to constantly get out there and wow the fashion world. But my biggest inspiration is, females. I want girls to look and feel good when they go out. Us women always want to look beautiful and feel it. We want to wear clothing that make us look and feel good. Stand out. I want to give females a unique look, to be the center of attention. A lot of girls tell me when they were my line, they’re confidence goes up. I get so happy when girls tag me on the daily wearing my line. Its like their proud, so I’m proud right there with them. They say I inspire them, but the truth is, they inspire me. We’re in an era right now where we embrace our curves. Nothing feels better than being content with your weight, putting an outfit on, looking in the mirror, and feeling great.
Who is your main target for your Angel Brinks fashion? Why?
My target audience is women in general. Regardless your size, shape or color, we’ve got something for you! Every woman deserves to feel beautiful and I create all of my designs to stand out. Girl power! (giggles)
Name some of the celebrities that wear your brand?
There are many. but to name a few: Lil Kim, Trina, K. Michelle, Ashanti, Meagan Good, Draya Michele, Nicki Minaj, Christina Milian, pretty much all of Love & Hip Hop stars from Joseline Hernandez, Erica Dixon, Erica Mena, Karlie Redd, Emily B, Kimbella, Somaya Reese..
Besides your own brand, what are your favorite brands or designers?
I love Christian Louboutin, Sergio Rossi, Gucci, Versace.
And now tell us about the VH1’s hit TV show, “Basketball Wives LA”?
It has been so surreal. I initially came on to do a guest appearance, and the producers were touched by my story (my life). They too saw the same vision I did. I’ve been through a lot in my life, and we thought a lot of people can relate to me and hopefully be motivated/inspired to keep pushing and reach the top even though life has thrown so many curve balls.
What can we expect on this season of the show?
Lots of drama of course! LOL. Tune in to find out but lets just say there is a ton of big surprises!
Are you friends with the cast outside the cameras?
Just with 2; Draya and Jackie. However, If I see any of the other ladies around, its all love.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself doing more fashion shows, in different cities. I see more stores overseas carrying my line. I get requests from Paris, Africa, Italy, and so many more inquiring right now. I am starting a baby clothing line, that I’m excited about. Hopefully I can further my career on television too.
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
Its a toss up between Jennifer Lopez, and Kim Kardashian.
Best advice ever given?
Do to others as you would want them to do to you. I am a firm believer in karma. I’ve made some mistakes in life, I’m not perfect, but I do know one thing. I am very cautious of what I say and do. I don’t like hurting anyone, and I am always respectful and mannered.
What advice do you have other aspiring fashion designers?
It all starts with a dream! If designing fashion is your passion, you’ll never work a day in your life. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. I had a lot of haters and doubters try to discourage me from pursuing my career and it motivated me to work even harder. Also, network as much as you can. Put yourself out there as much as you can and always ask for a business card and send a follow up note. Life is all about creating relationships and friendships.
Something people don’t know about you?
I’m a home body. If I’m not at work, I’m most likely at home with my family. Nothing excites me more. I love love. I am a sucker for love.
Name one beauty product you can’t live without?
My face moisturizer, and chapstick. Sorry I had to say two lol!
What’s your favorite quote?
I have soon many!! One of my favorites is: “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” – Coco Chanel “
How do you spend your spare time?
With my kids. My family. I like to read with my children, grab a blanket and watch TV with them. I love to play with them outside, go for walks. Children didn’t ask to be here, so its our job as a parent to make sure with give them all the attention they deserve.
Do you have a role model?
My mother. She is the strongest person I know. Advice she’s given me, and the way she talks to me, really means a lot to me. She is the one person who will always have my best interest.
Where we can follow you?
Twitter: @angelbrinks
Facebook: @angelbrinks / @angelbrinksfasion
Instagram: @angelbrinks / @angelbrinksfashion
Snapchat: angelbrinks
Tumblr: tumbler.com/angelbrinksfashion
Favorite Singer/Artist: Another toss up! I’d have to say its a tie, between Beyonce, and Rihanna.
Movie: Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Travel Destination: Hawaii
Food: Armenian Food
Drink: Tea
Tv Show: Desperate Housewives (all time favorite).. but Empire now!
Book: Act like a lady, think like a man
Photos: Patrick Mckenzie
