Angel Brinks: Basketball Wives, Beyoncé & Balancing Life
By Rachel Kapur & Olivia Nolan
July 26, 2016
July 26, 2016
|
Many of you know Angel Brinks as one of the stars of VH1's hit TV show "Basketball Wives LA". She was famously linked to basketball player Tyreke Jamir Evans of the New Orleans Pelicans. Did you know that Angel is also a celebrity fashion designer? She has dressed Hollywood's hottest stars, which include including celebrities such as Amber Rose, Heidi Montag, Lil' Kim, Ashanti, Coco Austin and many more in her signature line-- Angel Brinks Fashion. Angel recently opened her flagship retail store in the heart of downtown LA. Angel Brinks sat down with Urban Milan to discuss Fashion, Beyoncé, Basketball Wives LA and more... |
URBAN MILAN: What inspired you to become a celebrity fashion designer?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to be a fashion designer. My creativity and specialty was (and still is) inspired by the performing arts which I had been involved in at an early age. I wanted to create a unique stagewear-inspired brand that made women feel beautiful and of course, turned heads. I use flashy, sequined, extravagant, one-of-a-kind materials that are appealing to the eye which capitalize on the idea of making a statement through fashion. I think that’s also why it’s been a huge hit with celebrities, because each design is made to stand out and have you shining. When you put on an Angel Brinks design, I want you to know that you’re the baddest chick in the room! I want every woman to feel like a celeb when she’s rocking one of my pieces. Walk in, stand out and slay the scene!"
URBAN MILAN: From where do you pull inspiration for your clothing line?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Mainly from the performing arts, but also comes from within. I have visions. I also like to incorporate different fabrics and accessories into an outfit verses just material. I like to think outside the box and get creative. Whether it's adding jewels, nets, lacing, wires, chains, hardware, etc."
URBAN MILAN: How do you manage running a million dollar company, starring on reality television and being a single mom all at once?
ANGEL BRINKS: "That is my struggle! I just hustle! I'm used to multi-tasking. My emails are constantly going off when I'm in hair and makeup. Rather than reading blogs, or gossip, I'm handling business. Overseeing my company is a 24/7 thing. It’s definitely hard to balance being a business woman with my most proud achievement, being a mother. My biggest fear is missing something my children may do, not being there to catch it. Whether it's a first, or a moment I'd cherish for the rest of my life. Time is the most valuable thing to have. Children require a lot of attention and I find myself enjoying every minute of it. I don't get much sleep, so a huge cup of hazelnut coffee is a must every morning! I just try to juggle everything and be the best at each role. I like it, it's a challenge for me, and when the mission is accomplished daily, it's a very fulfilling feeling for me."
URBAN MILAN: What have you learned through starring on the hit reality TV show, "Basketball Wives LA"?
ANGEL BRINKS: "A whole lot!! Funny enough, we go through life reacting to situations, whether we say things or do things we may feel is right at that moment. If it bothers someone, all you can do is defend why you said or did it because you remember that emotion. Only difference here is with your life, there are no cameras. You can't go back and replay it. If you're on a TV show, it plays back and you're like, "Wow, I over-reacted, or oh wow, how did I not catch that shade?" Sometimes we get called too dramatic. Our show isn't scripted, it's really real. So however we felt at that very moment is us acting on our true emotions. I've learned more about myself when I've been put in situations I'm not used to. I've learned to accept and understand misunderstandings. How we may act during a certain situation doesn't always make us who we are. For every action there's a reaction, and how you handle it just how you are feeling at that very moment. We are all casted for a reason, we all bring something special to the show, and we have to learn to deal (or not deal) with each other."
URBAN MILAN: What is your favorite part of being on reality television?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Oh my goodness, most definitely hair, make up, and dressing up. I say to myself, "How am I going to slay today?" I believe most of our viewers obviously watch for entertainment, but also for who has on what, or what hair styles to rock, or what type of fashion we have. We are "Basketball Wives", Basketball Wives are known to have great fashion sense, as well having "nice things". It's an image or maybe stereotype we don't mind having. So I'd say the dress up part for me is the most fun. Besides that part, I feel that I am very relatable, and reaching out to the hearts of our viewers to let them know they're not alone, that we too go through a lot of things in life, and with being on TV, you hope to inspire or motivate that viewer to get through it by not feeling alone."
URBAN MILAN: What is your least favorite part of being on reality television?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Being on TV is definitely a blessing. So believe me, I'm grateful. My least favorite part would be getting judged by others but I have learned that I can’t please everyone. Not everyone is going to like me, I have to accept that. I used to think "Geez... I'm such a good person, why doesn't he/she like me?" Until I learned I'm not going to be everyone's cup of tea. So I take the good with the bad and I’ll sip my own tea, okay!"
URBAN MILAN: Although you are constantly in the limelight you always seem to remain confident and cool. Do you have any tips for self-confidence?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Yes! This is a major key. Please read and take this in, word for word. IF YOU DON'T LOVE YOURSELF, NO ONE ELSE WILL. People like to be around people who are confident, happy... people will feed off your energy. If you love yourself, your attitude is just totally different vs. someone who doesn't. Someone who doesn't is always negative, unhappy, steering you in the wrong direction, etc. When you love yourself, you won't allow people to hurt you as much. What you allow people to do to you, they will. When you love yourself enough, people will love you."
URBAN MILAN: What are your thoughts about the portrayal of women on television/the media in general?
ANGEL BRINKS: "We're on a big platform, reaching millions of people all over the world. Someone somewhere will have an opinion about us. It just is what it is. Our lives, or glimpses of it, is in people's TV rooms for their entertainment. I can't speak for everyone on TV, some have a lot of issues outside of the cameras, but for me, I know as much as we say we don't have to be role models, a lot of us were given the opportunity to reach out to the world for a reason. Whether that's for entertainment, what not to do to not end up like that person, or to learn from them. So much is expected, I think people should look at TV shows as entertainment, and not be so critical about every little thing. We are all humans, we are not perfect, just like everyone else."
URBAN MILAN: Do you consider yourself a feminist?
ANGEL BRINKS: "By definition, a feminist is somebody who believes in equal rights. It doesn’t mean you hate men, it just means that you believe women are entitled to the same rights as men, which I definitely believe. I’ve always stood firm on my beliefs about equality for all."
URBAN MILAN: Having just recently celebrated the five-year anniversary of your clothing line, what have you learned about running your own business?
ANGEL BRINKS: "I have learned that having an excellent team is the most important thing to have. Very crucial. I can't answer every call, handle every sale and ship it out. I have to make sure I hire very smart and customer-service oriented people to do the job. Another thing I've learned, is that some customers take advantage. Not every sale is an honest customer. Not every sale will go smooth. I always make the final decision to the best of my ability. Running a business is very stressful. Not only having to recreate myself every upcoming season, by hot designs, but by mastering the items, to dully producing them, to modeling them appropriately, to the advertising of final items… It’s a lot of work."
URBAN MILAN: In your opinion, what are the hottest spring and summer fashion trends?
ANGEL BRINKS: "I think the 90's are making a big comeback. From the chokers around the neck, to lace outfits. Also, neon colors. Bright stand out hot pink mini-skirts for example. A lot of mix and matching."
URBAN MILAN: What are your favorite fashion trends of all time?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Bell bottoms, blazer pant suits, ripped jeans, crop tops, big hats, and big purses!"
URBAN MILAN: How would you describe your style?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Shiny, flashy, sparkly, girly girl, and that-I'm-on-red-carpet-all-day-everyday look, even when I'm not."
URBAN MILAN: What do you think the difference between fashion and style is?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Fashion is what you buy. Style is what you do with it! ;)"
URBAN MILAN: Do you have any tips for looking stylish on a budget?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Yes! Accessorize! The right accessories can totally dress up an outfit and change the complete look of it if you have a more limited wardrobe. Add some chandelier earrings, a belt, a vest, or a statement necklace to mix it up! Also, stock up on the basics like a little black dress, elegant blazer, nude pumps, etc. Basics aren’t about being boring they are about being versatile!"
URBAN MILAN: What are your top five staple items in your closet?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Ripped jeans, booties (shoes), a flashy necklace, crop jacket, and a designer bag."
URBAN MILAN: What are the latest trends in celebrity fashion?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Beyoncé has been wearing some inspired Michael Jackson looks this year. Which goes back to me saying I think the 90's are making a comeback. They're loving the chokers. And most of all, the "busy" patterns and materials are definitely in and I'm here for it!!"
URBAN MILAN: What is your all-time favorite look that you’ve designed?
ANGEL BRINKS: "That's really hard to say. It's like having multiple children, you love them all the same. I guess if I had to pick, it would be the costume type stuff because that's when I can get the most creative."
URBAN MILAN: Do you have styling advice for dressing for your shape?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Yes. I believe 100% in shapers. Looking proportioned to the best of our ability will help look stylish. Whether it's spanks, girdles, bras, anything used for support is helpful. Belts are always great too, to bring in the waist, to create the illusion of a 'coke bottle frame'."
URBAN MILAN: What are your future goals (both personal and business related)?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Right now, the gym is calling my name. It is proven working out keeps you healthy and in shape. I plan to surrender myself to the trainers who are anxious to get me going! My daughter is only 2 right now, but I'm super excited to get her in dance classes, piano lessons, and other activities I know she'll love. More future goals include me on the TV screen, a kid's line, as well as my very own perfume launch. I also hope marriage is in my future, and more children - GOD willing."
ANGEL BRINKS: "Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to be a fashion designer. My creativity and specialty was (and still is) inspired by the performing arts which I had been involved in at an early age. I wanted to create a unique stagewear-inspired brand that made women feel beautiful and of course, turned heads. I use flashy, sequined, extravagant, one-of-a-kind materials that are appealing to the eye which capitalize on the idea of making a statement through fashion. I think that’s also why it’s been a huge hit with celebrities, because each design is made to stand out and have you shining. When you put on an Angel Brinks design, I want you to know that you’re the baddest chick in the room! I want every woman to feel like a celeb when she’s rocking one of my pieces. Walk in, stand out and slay the scene!"
URBAN MILAN: From where do you pull inspiration for your clothing line?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Mainly from the performing arts, but also comes from within. I have visions. I also like to incorporate different fabrics and accessories into an outfit verses just material. I like to think outside the box and get creative. Whether it's adding jewels, nets, lacing, wires, chains, hardware, etc."
URBAN MILAN: How do you manage running a million dollar company, starring on reality television and being a single mom all at once?
ANGEL BRINKS: "That is my struggle! I just hustle! I'm used to multi-tasking. My emails are constantly going off when I'm in hair and makeup. Rather than reading blogs, or gossip, I'm handling business. Overseeing my company is a 24/7 thing. It’s definitely hard to balance being a business woman with my most proud achievement, being a mother. My biggest fear is missing something my children may do, not being there to catch it. Whether it's a first, or a moment I'd cherish for the rest of my life. Time is the most valuable thing to have. Children require a lot of attention and I find myself enjoying every minute of it. I don't get much sleep, so a huge cup of hazelnut coffee is a must every morning! I just try to juggle everything and be the best at each role. I like it, it's a challenge for me, and when the mission is accomplished daily, it's a very fulfilling feeling for me."
URBAN MILAN: What have you learned through starring on the hit reality TV show, "Basketball Wives LA"?
ANGEL BRINKS: "A whole lot!! Funny enough, we go through life reacting to situations, whether we say things or do things we may feel is right at that moment. If it bothers someone, all you can do is defend why you said or did it because you remember that emotion. Only difference here is with your life, there are no cameras. You can't go back and replay it. If you're on a TV show, it plays back and you're like, "Wow, I over-reacted, or oh wow, how did I not catch that shade?" Sometimes we get called too dramatic. Our show isn't scripted, it's really real. So however we felt at that very moment is us acting on our true emotions. I've learned more about myself when I've been put in situations I'm not used to. I've learned to accept and understand misunderstandings. How we may act during a certain situation doesn't always make us who we are. For every action there's a reaction, and how you handle it just how you are feeling at that very moment. We are all casted for a reason, we all bring something special to the show, and we have to learn to deal (or not deal) with each other."
URBAN MILAN: What is your favorite part of being on reality television?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Oh my goodness, most definitely hair, make up, and dressing up. I say to myself, "How am I going to slay today?" I believe most of our viewers obviously watch for entertainment, but also for who has on what, or what hair styles to rock, or what type of fashion we have. We are "Basketball Wives", Basketball Wives are known to have great fashion sense, as well having "nice things". It's an image or maybe stereotype we don't mind having. So I'd say the dress up part for me is the most fun. Besides that part, I feel that I am very relatable, and reaching out to the hearts of our viewers to let them know they're not alone, that we too go through a lot of things in life, and with being on TV, you hope to inspire or motivate that viewer to get through it by not feeling alone."
URBAN MILAN: What is your least favorite part of being on reality television?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Being on TV is definitely a blessing. So believe me, I'm grateful. My least favorite part would be getting judged by others but I have learned that I can’t please everyone. Not everyone is going to like me, I have to accept that. I used to think "Geez... I'm such a good person, why doesn't he/she like me?" Until I learned I'm not going to be everyone's cup of tea. So I take the good with the bad and I’ll sip my own tea, okay!"
URBAN MILAN: Although you are constantly in the limelight you always seem to remain confident and cool. Do you have any tips for self-confidence?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Yes! This is a major key. Please read and take this in, word for word. IF YOU DON'T LOVE YOURSELF, NO ONE ELSE WILL. People like to be around people who are confident, happy... people will feed off your energy. If you love yourself, your attitude is just totally different vs. someone who doesn't. Someone who doesn't is always negative, unhappy, steering you in the wrong direction, etc. When you love yourself, you won't allow people to hurt you as much. What you allow people to do to you, they will. When you love yourself enough, people will love you."
URBAN MILAN: What are your thoughts about the portrayal of women on television/the media in general?
ANGEL BRINKS: "We're on a big platform, reaching millions of people all over the world. Someone somewhere will have an opinion about us. It just is what it is. Our lives, or glimpses of it, is in people's TV rooms for their entertainment. I can't speak for everyone on TV, some have a lot of issues outside of the cameras, but for me, I know as much as we say we don't have to be role models, a lot of us were given the opportunity to reach out to the world for a reason. Whether that's for entertainment, what not to do to not end up like that person, or to learn from them. So much is expected, I think people should look at TV shows as entertainment, and not be so critical about every little thing. We are all humans, we are not perfect, just like everyone else."
URBAN MILAN: Do you consider yourself a feminist?
ANGEL BRINKS: "By definition, a feminist is somebody who believes in equal rights. It doesn’t mean you hate men, it just means that you believe women are entitled to the same rights as men, which I definitely believe. I’ve always stood firm on my beliefs about equality for all."
URBAN MILAN: Having just recently celebrated the five-year anniversary of your clothing line, what have you learned about running your own business?
ANGEL BRINKS: "I have learned that having an excellent team is the most important thing to have. Very crucial. I can't answer every call, handle every sale and ship it out. I have to make sure I hire very smart and customer-service oriented people to do the job. Another thing I've learned, is that some customers take advantage. Not every sale is an honest customer. Not every sale will go smooth. I always make the final decision to the best of my ability. Running a business is very stressful. Not only having to recreate myself every upcoming season, by hot designs, but by mastering the items, to dully producing them, to modeling them appropriately, to the advertising of final items… It’s a lot of work."
URBAN MILAN: In your opinion, what are the hottest spring and summer fashion trends?
ANGEL BRINKS: "I think the 90's are making a big comeback. From the chokers around the neck, to lace outfits. Also, neon colors. Bright stand out hot pink mini-skirts for example. A lot of mix and matching."
URBAN MILAN: What are your favorite fashion trends of all time?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Bell bottoms, blazer pant suits, ripped jeans, crop tops, big hats, and big purses!"
URBAN MILAN: How would you describe your style?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Shiny, flashy, sparkly, girly girl, and that-I'm-on-red-carpet-all-day-everyday look, even when I'm not."
URBAN MILAN: What do you think the difference between fashion and style is?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Fashion is what you buy. Style is what you do with it! ;)"
URBAN MILAN: Do you have any tips for looking stylish on a budget?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Yes! Accessorize! The right accessories can totally dress up an outfit and change the complete look of it if you have a more limited wardrobe. Add some chandelier earrings, a belt, a vest, or a statement necklace to mix it up! Also, stock up on the basics like a little black dress, elegant blazer, nude pumps, etc. Basics aren’t about being boring they are about being versatile!"
URBAN MILAN: What are your top five staple items in your closet?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Ripped jeans, booties (shoes), a flashy necklace, crop jacket, and a designer bag."
URBAN MILAN: What are the latest trends in celebrity fashion?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Beyoncé has been wearing some inspired Michael Jackson looks this year. Which goes back to me saying I think the 90's are making a comeback. They're loving the chokers. And most of all, the "busy" patterns and materials are definitely in and I'm here for it!!"
URBAN MILAN: What is your all-time favorite look that you’ve designed?
ANGEL BRINKS: "That's really hard to say. It's like having multiple children, you love them all the same. I guess if I had to pick, it would be the costume type stuff because that's when I can get the most creative."
URBAN MILAN: Do you have styling advice for dressing for your shape?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Yes. I believe 100% in shapers. Looking proportioned to the best of our ability will help look stylish. Whether it's spanks, girdles, bras, anything used for support is helpful. Belts are always great too, to bring in the waist, to create the illusion of a 'coke bottle frame'."
URBAN MILAN: What are your future goals (both personal and business related)?
ANGEL BRINKS: "Right now, the gym is calling my name. It is proven working out keeps you healthy and in shape. I plan to surrender myself to the trainers who are anxious to get me going! My daughter is only 2 right now, but I'm super excited to get her in dance classes, piano lessons, and other activities I know she'll love. More future goals include me on the TV screen, a kid's line, as well as my very own perfume launch. I also hope marriage is in my future, and more children - GOD willing."