FASHION FORWARD GROUP MAKES THE PAPER

View full sizeWilton Terry is pictured in the fashion and design studio of The Fashion Forward Group in Mobile. Under his direction, The Fashion Forward Group is designing and producing a clothing line with a national recording artist and plans to open a boutique in downtown Mobile. (Press-Register/Bill Starling)

MOBILE, Alabama -- Wilton Terry has what he describes as “a big vision“ for downtown Mobile.
“I see a clothing manufacturer, a united retail industry that gets noticed nationally, perhaps internationally, because of the industry players we produce — from designers and models to photographers and makeup artists, the works.“
That’s the big picture, Terry explained. “We’re just on the ground floor. But big things are happening.”
Pursuing his dream by leaps and bounds, the Mobile native is the owner of Master Tailors LLC in Mobile, a local sewing and alterations business with clientele that includes Burlington Coat Factory, G. Harvel Mens Clothing and Eastbay Clothing. Last year he organized The Fashion Forward Group, a collaboration of Mobile industry leaders who produce fashion shows, train models and unite local retailers to increase awareness of the fashion industry on the Gulf Coast.
Terry is sure that his next venture is going to be an eye-opener.
“Nationally acclaimed rap artist and Mobile native Rich Boy has joined forces with the Fashion Forward Group and Master Tailors to create a new line of fashions.”

More information
For more information about The Fashion Forward Group, visit their website, email them or visit them at 651 Dauphin St. in the Jada Entertainment building.
For couture designs and alterations you can contact Wilton Terry at 251-422-7565.

The as-yet-unnamed clothing line will make its debut later this year according to Terry, who said he is extremely proud of the fact that he and the artist are renovating a site in downtown Mobile to host the first made to order clothing store in Mobile.
“My biggest goal is to invest in Mobilians. And we are going to produce jobs by marketing, producing and manufacturing the clothing right here in town,” Terry explained.
“Rich Boy is equally as excited as I am. He thinks it will be a great move for Mobile and he’s very hands-on with the clothing. People will be surprised. Just don’t expect a lot of urban looks, it’s going to be high-end fashion.”
'I think the city is ripe for a growing fashion industry'
According to Terry, he is often asked — why now, and why Mobile?
“I got my roots here. And I think this city is ripe for a growing fashion industry. We’ve got all the bones to support it. We’ve got a great shipping industry on the water, we couldn’t ask for a more beautiful backdrop, and we’ve got talented people here. We just need to tie it all together,” he said.
Terry, a graduate of American Intercontinental University(AIU) in Atlanta, ith a degree in fashion design, studied tailoring at Bishop State Community College before moving to Atlanta. In Atlanta, he began sewing for companies such as the Atlanta Opera, Walt Disney Films, Jive Records and So So Def records. After sewing for celebrity clients like Denzel Washington, TLC, Evander Holyfield and many professional athletes, Terry returned to Mobile in 2000 to become the chair for Bishop State Community College’s tailoring department.
He founded Master Tailors in 2001 after he saw the need for a premier local sewing service in town. He continued to expand by servicing area businesses such as Burlington Coat Factory, G Harvel Mens Clothing, Eastbay Clothing, as well as designing interiors for Lafeyette Plaza, Skyview Lounge, Jada Entertainment Recording Studio and countless personal clients.
Last year Terry began his Fashion Forward movement.

Enlarge Bill Starling A men's ensemble by designer Wilton Terry is modeled on Dauphin Street in downtown Mobile near the fashion and design studio of The Fashion Forward Group Thursday, May 26, 2011. Under his direction, The Fashion Forward Group is designing and producing a clothing line with a national recording artist and plans to open a boutique in downtown Mobile. (Press-Register, Bill Starling) Wilton Terry gallery (7 photos)

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“It wasn’t easy to get others to see the vision at first. But I’m a man of faith and I think that everyone involved was God sent.”
Terry said that The Fashion Forward Group, housed in downtown Mobile on Dauphin Street, understands the need to showcase the Gulf Coast’s beauty and its talented people. Today, The Fashion Forward Group hosts an eight-week modeling program with professional stylists, makeup artists and photographers who teach aspiring models the ins and outs of the industry.
“When they are finished with the classes, they are equipped with a portfolio to shop themselves around. They have the knowledge of how to do business, from the interviews to the contracts. ”
The group also presents fashion shows, produces videos and commercials. Look for them to showcase fashion, models and music during future Artwalk events in downtown Mobile.
You can get an up-close and personal look at some of Terry’s fashion designs on June 13, when Master Tailors, Fashion Forward Group, Cafe 615 and other downtown retailers present “Southern Exposure” a fundraiser to benefit Alabama’s tornado victims.
Terry is wearing many hats these days, from couture designer and master tailor to businessman and mentor. He is often working 24-7, but he’s not complaining.
“This is what I love to do. This is my