SERIESS MAGAZINE
STANTON RIDLEY IS NAVIGATING FASHION BY HIGHLIGHTING BLACK ELEGANCE
Somniis is the hidden gem you never though you’d find. The eco-firendly label accentuates a godly image of Black regality through it’s exclusive style, and the brand’s Founder & Creative Director, Stanton Ridley, is navigating the brand with purpose. After making his mark at Hampton University, Ridley maneuvered his way to Parson’s School of Design, and now has secured his Fashion Week debut. The Long Island native self-describes Somniis as beautiful, luxurious loungewear - garments that leave you feeling fly and encourage you to take pride in your look, but more importantly, yourself.
“When people see me, I want them to know, off the bat, that I have good character”, says Ridley. “Although I think the way you dress is not the defining thing for who you are, it kind of shows a reflection of how you think about yourself.”
Ridley’s newfound gift was discovered through alterations he would make to jeans in his own wardrobe. Drawing inspiration from New York’s 2010’s “Lite Feet” dance craze, Ridley would sew larger jeans tighter to fit the look of the skinny jeans era. Curious of his fashion skill, Ridley challenged himself to create an original vest piece and, with the help of his brother, hand sewed the garment, unlocking the door to Ridley’s purpose. Once Ridley reached college, he quickly caught the eyes of his peers from wearing his own one-of-one artistry, eventually leading to Somniis’ inception. With the help of friend and graphic designer, Garrett, Ridley would release collections as a buildup, but revealed that each piece was truly a one-of-one.