Rising Stars: Meet Dontae Campbell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dontae Campbell.

Hi Dontae, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2015, my junior year of high school, I decided to learn how to sew to differentiate my style from others. The first pair of pants I created was a pair of khaki pants with Gucci cheetah print fabric on the cuff of the pants.

Once I got to college, I tried more difficult tasks and started creating and wearing clothing from scratch. After I noticed the demand I was receiving, I decided to start my first brand, Unfollowed Creator, and sell items through my social media, then eventually on a website. With Unfollowed Creator, I specialized in custom 1-of-1s and pants and vests.

About a year later, I imprinted myself into the fashion industry by being asked to open in another brand fashion show. I then establish the first part of my creative thinking. People then began to talk, and the word got to INDFW and I was then chosen with four other designers from the Mid-West to showcase our design in their fashion show competition, where I met and become good contacts with the founders of NYFW. Eventually, I fell in love with the idea of individuality in the design process and creative directing and decided to try something new.

Years later, I wanted to come up with something new. Unfollowed Creator was becoming more of a hassle because of the difficulty of sending customers the correct sizes when some customers were guessing their measurements. I then decided to come up with my current brand, Laboratory, where I would do things more: professional, creative, and me. Although ‘Unfollowed Creator’ was my brand, it never felt like me, I was doing it for the wrong reason. When I started this brand, I knew I did not want to do it in Indiana and that it was only right to move it out west. So after the pandemic, I decided to pack up, move and that’s what I did.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes, it has been a really smooth ride, simply because I’m not new to this profession. If anything, I would say the hardest part would be marketing because every area is different.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a creative directing fashion designer. I specialize in fashionable unique trousers and finding ways to show my creativity through my clothes, photos, videos, and events. When I ask the people around me what I’m mostly known for, they always tell me my creativity with everything and I couldn’t agree more. The thing I’m most proud of is my work ethic and how I am able to get up and get things done. I believe what sets me apart from everyone else is how hard I work outside of work.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I LOVE how helpful and friendly everyone is in the industry. I don’t necessarily have a dislike, but I will say the biggest downfall is the heat.

Contact Info:

• Email: hello@laboratory.clothing
• Website: laboratory.clothing
• Instagram: @laboratory.official
• Twitter: @laboratoryoff

Image Credits
Model: Jonathan Academy: Corella & Co Photographer: Laboratory Creative Director: Laboratory