Meet Tony James | Founder and Creative Director

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

Hi Tony, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The intertwining of faith in God and the support of Phoenix Fashion Week has played a pivotal role in the remarkable success of my clothing brand, Throne of Grace Clothing. First and foremost, my unwavering faith in God has been the foundation upon which my brand has been built. It has provided me with the strength, resilience, and inspiration needed to overcome challenges and pursue my dreams. Through prayer and seeking divine guidance, I have been able to infuse my designs with a sense of purpose and meaning, creating garments that not only reflect my personal beliefs but also resonate with individuals seeking to express their faith through fashion. Additionally, the platform provided by Phoenix Fashion Week has been instrumental in propelling my brand to new heights. The exposure and opportunities offered through this prestigious event have allowed me to showcase my designs to a wider audience, connect with industry professionals, and gain invaluable insights into the fashion world. The support and mentorship received from the Phoenix Fashion Week community have been invaluable, enabling me to refine my brand, expand my network, and establish a strong presence in the industry. The combination of my faith in God and the support of Phoenix Fashion Week has created a powerful synergy that has fueled the success of Throne of Grace Clothing. By staying true to my beliefs and utilizing the resources and opportunities provided by Phoenix Fashion Week, I have been able to create a brand that not only resonates with customers but also serves as a testament to the power of faith and fashion. Through this journey, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that faith and a supportive community can have on the pursuit of one’s dreams, and I am grateful for the blessings and opportunities that have come my way

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The creativity behind Throne of Grace Clothing stems from my deep faith and the desire to create a platform where people can authentically engage and share their stories and testimonies. I believe that fashion can be a powerful tool for self-expression and a means to connect with others on a deeper level. What sets us apart is our unique combination of faith and versatile, fashion-forward pieces. We strive to create designs that not only reflect current trends but also embody the values and beliefs that are important to our customers. Our goal is to empower individuals to embrace their faith while still being fashion-forward and stylish. In the face of challenges, we find strength in the understanding that we are merely vessels for the brand, and that God is the true owner. By leaning on His guidance and strength, we are able to overcome obstacles and continue to grow and evolve. It is my sincere desire for the world to know that God is real and that He desires a personal relationship with each individual. Through Throne of Grace Clothing, we aim to spread this message and encourage others to embrace their faith in all aspects of their lives, including their personal style. Fashion should be fun and should embody your thoughts, feelings, and belief system. It should serve as a tool to express yourself and reflect your unique identity. We believe that fashion should be your servant, not your master, allowing you to confidently showcase your individuality while staying true to your values. In summary, our fashion brand is driven by the creativity that comes from our faith and the desire to create a platform for people to engage and share their stories. We are set apart by our fusion of faith and versatile fashion-forward pieces.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When having a friend or family member visit Arizona, there are plenty of exciting places to take them for a memorable experience. Here’s a summary of the places I would take them to that I know they will appreciate and enjoy. We would start our adventure by getting a fresh haircut at Wooten’s Barbershop in Glendale, known for its skilled barbers and incredible atmosphere.
For a morning workout session, head to METCALFSPEED with Gary Metcalf, where we would push our fitness limits and enjoy a challenging cardio routine.
We would refuel with a delicious lunch at Rito’s Burritos in Glendale, Arizona. Indulging in their mouthwatering bean & cheese burritos and savoring the flavors of authentic Mexican food.
Experience a Night of Worship at Victory Outreach Mesa, where we would immerse ourselves in a powerful Spirit lead atmosphere and connect with others through faith.
We would not miss the opportunity to devour the renowned tamales from Lupita Lelis, known for serving some of the best tamales on the planet.
Of course, we would attend a Phoenix Fashion Week meet-up or event to check out the latest trends and designs from talented fashion designers and partners, while immersing ourselves in the vibrant fashion scene of Arizona.
Since we are all fans of basketball, we would catch a Hillcrest Prep basketball game and witness the most elite basketball program and young athletes in the country.
Another must when visiting Arizona is exploring exclusive clothing and kicks at Guest List in Tempe. Peep out the latest unique and stylish sneakers and pieces like the Authentics Line, that will elevate any wardrobe.
We will also make sure to visit Knockout Fitness in Surprise to get in an incredible workout and be uplifted by the amazing community that they have built there.
The week would be wrapped up with a Sunday Worship Service at Revolution Church in Tolleson, so we can experience a meaningful and encouraging gathering to nourish our faith walk.
These diverse and exciting activities will ensure a memorable visit to Arizona, filled with cultural experiences, delicious food, fashion, and faith-based connections.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support and love that my wife Stephanie James, son Jeo, daughter Christabel, and Brian Hill from Phoenix Fashion Week have shown me throughout my journey. Their presence in my life has been a constant source of strength, encouragement, and inspiration. To my beloved wife Stephanie, thank you for standing by my side through every step of this incredible journey. Her unwavering belief in me and endless support have been the driving force behind my success. Her love and understanding have been my rock, and I am forever grateful for her presence in my life. To my dear son Jeo and daughter Christabel, thank you for being my biggest fans, providing style inspiration, and for always cheering me on. Their enthusiasm and pride in my accomplishments have brought me immeasurable joy. Their love and support have given me the motivation to push forward and pursue my dreams with unwavering determination. And to Brian Hill from Phoenix Fashion Week, thank you for your guidance, mentorship, and belief in my brand. His expertise and support have been instrumental in propelling my clothing brand to new heights. Brian’s dedication to nurturing emerging designers and providing opportunities for growth is truly commendable, and I am honored to have been a part of the Phoenix Fashion Week community. I am truly blessed to have such an incredible support system in my life. The love, encouragement, and belief that my wife, children, and Brian have shown me have been instrumental in my success. I am forever grateful for their support and will continue to strive for greatness, knowing that I have their love and encouragement behind me every step of the way.

Website: togclothing.com

Instagram: @throneofgraceclothing

Image Credits
Stephanie James Manny Lopez