We are each born with a gift. Some call it talent, while others refer to it as our individual purpose in life. But whichever way you choose to see it, the only thing that stands between nurturing that gift into fulfillment is the fear we all have of our own greatness. It takes a major man to turn fear on its head and allow all of his talent and purpose to take him further than he could ever dream.
Major Man of the week Malcolm Harris knows all about taking a gift and constructing an empire. His eye for detail and design have birthed a clothing line of womenswear - Mal Sirrah - so passionate and expressive that its received widespread acclaim, both on and off the runway. And it doesn't just stop with fashion. He's currently expanding to design commercial interiors around Manhattan as well. Listen and learn as the man himself shares some of the secrets to his success right now, only on Essentially Major.
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Name: Malcolm Harris (aka Mal Sirrah)
Age: Old enough to know better and to show others the way
Occupation: Social Activist/Designer
Background: I was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica and raised in Coral Gables, Florida by hardworking and loving parents. I received my Master’s Degree in English Literature from New York University before attending F.I.T. where I graduated with a degree in Fashion Design. Coming from a family which put education and community service above all else, it was much more important to me to lay a solid educational foundation for myself before heading into my passion of fashion design.
How would you describe your personal style? My personal style at the moment would perhaps be considered “Gothic Urban Warrior”… LOL… I believe that one’s personal style should always find itself evolving and morphing. Every day I wake up I carefully “curate” an ensemble to express to the world exactly how I am feeling. As a person that is somewhat shy, my sense of style has erased a great deal of the idle chatter one might otherwise have to deal within a landmine like New York City.
Do you have a favorite Designer? If so, what is a must have? My favorite designer is and will always be, Yves Saint Laurent. Therefore, any vintage piece I can get my hands on designed by Monsieur YSL himself is a must have item. For me, the holy grail of YSL would be a chocolate velvet tuxedo jacket.
Who/What is your biggest influence in life? Influences for me change all the time. At the moment, my hugest influence I would say is the style icon - Daphne Guinness. Daphne is a dear friend and has taught me a great deal regarding embracing one’s dark side under the condition your spirit is filled with light. I don’t know of any other way to convey my influences outside of “purpose, passion and contribution”… Therefore I would have to say the biggest influence in my life has been the comfort of knowing I have done all the “real work” to ensure my purpose, passion and contribution to the legacy of my people will not be forgotten.
What has been your biggest obstacle in life that you've overcome? The biggest obstacle I have been forced to overcome is my ego. I think ego is the biggest killer of creativity and mobility. However, I can proudly report that my ego has been put in its proper place and only comes out to play once the real work has been done.
Are you currently in a relationship? Are you more comfortable with someone or by yourself? My partner, Tyson Perez (Editor-In-Chief of UNVOGUE Magazine), have been together for almost seven years and our relationship is our pride joy. We have learned over the years to make our friendship a priority and to keep our relationship absolutely sacred.
What is your biggest turn-off? My biggest turn-off is a negative disposition.
What is your biggest turn-on? My biggest turn-on is courage. I am surrounded by courageous and brilliant individuals.
What will you be doing in 2009? 2009 has already been a terrific year so far! I have executive produced and directed a music video for a huge Saudi female artist (Waed – Bhahabbek Giddan – I Love You So Much). I have designed a five-star restaurant on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and have been commissioned to design a hotel by the same firm. I have a limited edition dress collection being released in the near future and then I plan to take a trip to the moon. But seriously, I have more projects and goals ahead then this interview would allow me to explain. However, if readers really want to know, they will join me on FaceBook where I have joined the world in strategically documenting my every waken moment. Once again, sad but true.
What do you hate? The word HATE!!!
What do you love? I love the potential of man and womankind.
What’s your favorite curse word? MOTHERFUCKER!!! I rarely curse, but when I do this word is a quick fix. Followed by meditation and chanting of course.
What’s your favorite food? Sushi, sushi, sushi… And if the sushi is prepared at Nobu, I’m in heaven.
What makes you a major man? I hope what makes me a major man is the same thing that makes me a major son, friend, lover, social activist or designer… And that is living my life by one golden rule: “To leave the world a better place than I found it.” My life is as simple and “major” as that.
Follow Malcolm on Facebook or visit his website at www.malsirrah.com
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