Meet Tony James

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tony James and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tony, what inspires you?
I am deeply inspired by my faith in Jesus, which serves as the purpose and foundation on which Throne of Grace operates. It allows me to steward my talents with a calling that transcends mere creativity, rooted in God’s love for us and His desire for reconciliation through genuine love and free will.

As a designer, my inspiration stems from my hometown, Phoenix, and its inherent beauty found in Arizona’s landscapes of mountains and lakes. I cherish the city’s blend of big-city vibrancy and small-town charm, teaching me to appreciate minimalistic beauty. I emphasize the idea that Arizona’s true beauty lies not in its structures but in the natural canvas upon which they stand.

In my approach to design, I aim to let each garment speak for itself, finding balance and complementarity among pieces without overpowering their innate qualities. I believe in the freedom that fashion offers, allowing individuals and our TOG community to express themselves freely. It’s a canvas where we can playfully combine different elements to create unique expressions of our inward beliefs and values—bringing to life, love, grace, and the freedom of self-expression.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Many people are drawn to careers in fashion, whether in designing, photography, or modeling, because of the allure of glamour and mingling with influential people, celebrities, and socialites. However, few realize the immense amount of work required to reach a high level in these fields. When they discover that the journey involves more hard work than glamour, many tend to lose interest.

Fashion is a constantly evolving industry, demanding designers to continually evolve creatively. While creating products that resonate with people’s needs is crucial, managing the entire business aspect is equally challenging. Most creatives, myself included, often overlooked the preparation needed to bring a concept to life and deliver it to consumers. It involves design, manufacturing, branding, sales, networking, and enduring countless rejections before finally achieving success. It’s a demanding process that requires dedication and resilience.

That’s why it’s essential for your purpose, brand story, and motivation to be as strong as your passion for creating and designing. Throne of Grace exists not only to showcase my designs but, more importantly, to convey the message of God’s love and desire for reconciliation through each garment created.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When introducing a friend to Arizona, I have a carefully curated list of must-do activities that showcase the best of what the state has to offer. Our adventure would begin at Studio 22 in Chandler Fashion Center, a vibrant spot where we can explore the latest streetwear from Throne of Grace and other local designers, as well as browse through established luxury brands.

Another unforgettable experience would be attending an AAU basketball tournament with AD Shadowvine and his Star Status Elite club team. Watching the dynamic performance of standout guards Iyar Shadowvine and Jeo James from Ironwood High School, coached by AD Shadowvine, promises an exhilarating and memorable event. AD not only possesses an incredible basketball acumen but also excels in mentoring youth both on and off the court, making this an inspiring opportunity to witness talent in action.

To encapsulate our journey, arranging a photo shoot with Ashley Hathaway is a must. Renowned for her expertise in editorial, lifestyle, and branding photography, Ashley has a unique knack for capturing genuine moments and weaving compelling narratives with her camera. Her talent is innate, and coupled with her compassionate heart, she creates an uplifting and memorable experience for everyone she works with. Collaborating with Ashley isn’t just a photo shoot; it’s an opportunity to be inspired and forge a lasting friendship.

We would also schedule a session with William Almendarez from Tritek Solutions, known for his exceptional ability to capture moments and concepts with a distinctive flair. Beyond his impressive portfolio, witnessing his adeptness in seamlessly switching cameras and skillfully controlling drones to capture extraordinary shots is truly inspiring. William’s photography is highly sought after, spanning from Arizona to New York, and would certainly elevate our memories of Arizona with a professional and artistic touch.

For those of us grounded in faith, attending worship services at Breakthru Community Church in Peoria holds a profound place in our itinerary. Pastor Alex & Angie Soto deliver messages that inspire and uplift, fostering a warm fellowship within their church community. Each service offers a space for prayer, whether for personal needs, the community, or to seek prayerful support from others. The experience is not only spiritually enriching for oneself but also a blessing to witness breakthroughs and healing in others.

No trip to Arizona is truly complete without savoring some of the Valley’s finest Mexican food. Rolandos, nestled on 35th Ave and Peoria in Phoenix, is a beloved small family-owned establishment celebrated for its mouthwatering breakfast and carne asada burritos. Their iconic Bean and Cheese burrito, served with their renowned red and green hot sauces, is a must-try. What adds to the charm is their warm hospitality; the staff often remembers regular customers’ orders, making each visit feel like a welcoming homecoming.

For a refreshing treat, we’d head to El Mix in El Mirage for Rapados & Mangoneada, enjoying their delightful frozen treats that perfectly complement Arizona’s warm climate. This family-owned business has won the hearts and taste buds of locals across the Valley.

To experience Arizona’s vibrant nightlife and fashion scene, attending an Arizona Fashion Week event would be a must. These gatherings are ideal for mingling with fashion enthusiasts, designers, and celebrities while staying abreast of the latest trends in Arizona and beyond.

From exploring fashion and savoring delicious cuisine to supporting youth initiatives and finding spiritual fulfillment, our journey through Arizona promises a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and meaningful connections that will leave a lasting impression.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I come from a family with four siblings, and being the youngest has deeply influenced my journey, especially as a Fashion Designer. I am profoundly grateful for my siblings—Cheyenne, Kenya, and James—who have each played a significant role in shaping my character and fostering my creativity. Watching their paths unfold, learning from their successes and challenges, and witnessing their evolving styles have all contributed immensely to my personal and professional growth.

My sister Cheyenne is the eldest and has always been the academic of the family. She approaches fashion with a studious mindset, whether it’s sporting big-frame glasses or blending semi-formal with casual attire. Her dedication to her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, has influenced my use of bold fonts and inspired me to experiment with color pairings in my designs.

My bond with my sister Kenya has always been strong; her vibrant personality and zest for life are reflected in her fashion and self-expression. Over time, I’ve incorporated her elements of streetwear, boho chic, and a love for music into my own style, inspired by her fearless approach to fashion. Her willingness to experiment has boosted my confidence in making bold style choices.

My brother James, just a year older than me, is someone I deeply admire and respect, especially in the realm of fashion. He approaches his style with meticulous attention to detail, focusing on folds, creases, inseams, and how each piece of clothing complements the whole ensemble. Watching him meticulously iron his clothes was like observing a scientific presentation—I’d watch, ask questions, and then attempt to replicate it on my own clothes.

He was the first person I saw effortlessly transition from streetwear to a preppy style, seamlessly incorporating brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Nautica. His impeccable fashion sense and charm earned him admiration from peers, and I eagerly awaited the opportunity to inherit his outgrown clothes and sneakers for my own collection.

I also want to give a shoutout to my High School Fashion Merchandising teacher, Diana Occhiuzzi. She was the first person to show me that fashion could be a viable career path. Diana consistently encouraged me and believed in my potential, writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf and guiding me through the application process for the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. Her unwavering support and belief in my abilities were instrumental in helping me pursue my passion for fashion beyond high school. Without her realizing it, I’m uncertain if I would have pursued this path or had as much belief in myself if her words of encouragement weren’t constantly echoing in my mind.

Website: togclothing.com

Instagram: throneofgraceclothing

Image Credits
Ashley Hathaway Tony James