Moultry says he noticed how the apparel at his university’s bookstore gears toward athleticism, events for tailgating and sports games, and simply wanted to create a more classic and sophisticated gear.
“The motivation to start a collegiate apparel line came from a visit to Morehouse College bookstore,” said Moultry.
He added, “At that moment I decided there was a need for said apparel within the HBCU community. So my idea for the collegiate line, Chicer Collegiate, was born.”
“Chicer Collegiate” differs from other HBCU apparel. Although some pieces have panache and flair, the majority of the garments’ color schemes and silhouettes are minimalist.
Moultry says he has always been into fashion and immediately began to research licensing so that he could use the universities name on his apparel.
“The most difficult process was obtaining the license from Morehouse College,” Moultry said. “Morehouse was very particular about their brand and who was granted access to it, given that it is one of the top HBCUs in the country.”
The apparel line gives a nod to the 1950’s and 60’s, an era when such designs were prevalent. The clothing line includes polo shirts, cardigan sweaters, rugby pullovers and hoodies. Even though he originally wanted to create a more sophisticated apparel for his alma mater, Moultry plans to acquire licensing to make apparel for other HBCUs and non HBCU institutions.
Outside of Chicer Collegiate, Moultry also does photography and actually started his own photography business while in college, which is still up and active today.
“…My advice to young Black innovators is to keep pressing forward, there will be obstacles and detours, but stay focused and keep your eyes on the prize,” Moultry said on advice and motivation to other black innovators and entrepreneurs.
“Education is the key to unlock many doors,” he said. “The preservation of these institutions and their legacies is also very important, as they are quite significant in American History and should be maintained.”
Moultry said he wants to expand to retail stores in Atlanta where he currently lives.
