Let’s Talk 10: Monroe Clayton
Illustration by Kiara Sanders
Merchandising designer Monroe Clayton is embracing awareness and inspiring civic engagement through his inclusive apparel brand, My Vote Matters (MVM).
A nonpartisan organization, MVM engages citizens to participate in municipal, state, and federal elections, with the key directive of using fashion as a visual expression of the voting electorate’s commitment to exercising one of our most fundamental rights.
Clayton told us:
With what living political figure would you like to share lunch? Dick Cheney, and not because he's one of my favorite politicians. Rather, he arguably knows the most about what happened within the White House from 1975-2008. I would like to ask him some pretty probing questions, regarding Black Water and a host of controversial issues stemming from administrations he was part of.
Your favorite outdoor activity? Hmmm...this is a tough one. I don't know if this is cheating, but I'd probably have to go between walking/running and water sports like jet skiing and tubing.
Do you believe in Karma? Yes, I think it's one of the most common sense and fundamental laws of the universe. You reap what you sow. The more love you put into the world, the more love you get back. And if you put a lot of hate into the world, that's what you will get in return. Now, I know there are some exceptions, but I believe in Karma as a basic rule.
Describe your ideal (first) date. It would probably be a picnic somewhere secluded, like by a lake or on a mountain. Not a beach because the sand would get annoying, and no one wants sand in their shoes or their hair. We'd just talk for a long time and listen to music. I'm a big conversationalist.
Who is your favorite fashion designer? This may sound like a cliche, but definitely Virgil Abloh. What he has been able to do with his work with Louis Vuitton and his off-white collection is inspirational. As a kid, I would always go on Nike ID and make my own shoes, that I never intended on buying, but it gave me a creative outlet, and that's what Virgil has done. He's remade almost every classic shoe and made it his, put his own style on it. It just makes me happy to see him doing that and the passion he has for it.
What song best sums you up? I don't know one single song that sums me up, only lyrics. I've been updating my list of fye Instagram captions from song lyrics, and I try to incorporate those that make sense in the context of my life. I would share some of them here, but I don't need the readers jocking my style.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Man I really don't know. I used to be that person who was so certain about their future, but the older I get the more uncertain I get. I guess what I would say is I see myself making an impact, whether it be through MVM or through other organizations or companies, that's for sure. I know that regardless of the specific occupation I have, I will be trying to make a difference wherever that may be.
Zebra or Leopard print? Leopard for sure!!!!!
Who inspires you? Hah! So many people, but I think I'll bring this one close to home and say my family. Specifically my mother and father. The life they've been able to create for me is amazing, and everyday they motivate me to be better.
What is love? I am so glad you asked this question. I think society has given us this perception of fake love as the real thing, with trends like #relationshipgoals, which is usually a couple doing the most basic things.
When I think of love, I think about newly ordained parents who have to deal with the constant screams and shrieks from their baby, the long process of rocking the child to sleep, the tenderness with which they treat the child, and how they change a diaper no matter if it was changed just a second ago. They know that child requires patience, and that love takes no records of past deeds, is forgiving, and sacrificial. Love lasts, and is not dependent on the situation or the context. It’s not just a feeling you feel because of one particular action someone did, or a brief tingle you get. It's a love that is a choice. I think true love is agape love.
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