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REP THE HUSTLE: ASHLEY JONES, TONES OF MELANIN

Meet the designer of the E&J x HBCUnited capsule

Aug 06, 2022

Ashley Jones started her HBCU-focused streetwear brand, Tones of Melanin, when she was a student at Norfolk State University. Struck by how little current HBCU gear represented her and her peers, Jones launched the brand to ensure that HBCU style was as special as HBCU students.

E&J Brandy was proud to work with Jones and Tones of Melanin to launch the official E&J Brandy x HBCUnited Capsule collection, celebrating our sponsorship of HBCUnited—the first-ever TBT team composed entirely of HBCU graduates. We sat down with Jones to discuss the line, her HBCU experience, and what inspires her to create.

Tell us about your inspiration for the E&J x HBCUnited collection.
My inspiration for the E&J and HBCUnited collection came from my HBCU roots; I tried to collaborate both brands into each item so that both had a little piece of them in them. I chose the items I did [for the capsule] because they represent not just my current brand, but the other brands as well: the reversible jacket is a signature piece for Tones of Melanin; the tie dye shirts represent the youth; the duffle bag represents basketball culture; the hat represents New York, where the first game is being played, and its culture. I’d describe the E&J x HBCUnited collection with the words pride, culture, innovation, and style.

HBCUnited is the only TBT team composed entirely of HBCU graduates. Why is this meaningful?
HBCUnited being the only TBT team composed of HBCU graduates entirely is meaningful because it’s repping HBCUs on a higher level. It also shows the cohesiveness within the HBCU community. I’d describe HBCUnited as trailblazing, innovative, and tenacious.

You and the HBCUnited players have the experience of attending an HBCU in common. How do you think HBCU graduates stand out from the crowd?
HBCUs graduates stand out from the crowd because teamwork is the basis for any HBCU curriculum. HBCUs show students the importance of working together. My HBCU experience prepared me for the world because it showed me how to make a voice for myself in this world, and it showed me how to have pride but also how to be humble as well. My HBCU experience showed me how to work hard and to see every task through.

What is your advice for an aspiring Black fashion designer?
My advice for aspiring Black fashion designers is to do your research, use the world as inspiration, and to shoot for the stars.

Don’t miss out on your shot to own the E&J x HBCUnited capsule. Enter now for your chance to win at ejtbt.com. Sweepstakes closes 8.10.22.

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Fam Comments

loneil
2 years ago

Great Story!
dodgeboy
2 years ago

Team E&J + HBCU= Classic.
dodgeboy
2 years ago

Setting the tone on fashion.
evamack@gmail.com
2 years ago

I like
T
2 years ago

Loved ready this - very interesting . Would love to end up with some gear
sassy1steph1975.sj@gmail.com
2 years ago

I think it was very informative and informational I appreciate you sharing
dodgeboy
2 years ago

Hustle will always be rewarded.
Bar1192
2 years ago

Way to go!!!!!
dodgeboy
2 years ago

The rewards of hard work.
Puddles
2 years ago

Congratulations! May you continue to persevere in all of your endeavors and continued success! Blessings to you!!