All About Hue

By Jessica Mosley

Some say accomplished youth in Detroit are a dying breed but when you look at the drive and determination of several Detroiters, then some opinions can be proved otherwise. Take Derrick Greene for example. This young man, only 23, is an aspiring clothing designer. Greene is successfully creating a clothing line he calls HueGreene. TOD had the opportunity to speak with this blossoming designer about his inspirations, aspirations and thoughts on Detroit’s fashion industry.

  Why did you decide to start the HueGreene Line?

I chose to start the line because the volume in which the line speaks touched so many when they were only hearing about it. As my desire to help each person find something unique for them to wear, I knew at a young age a clothing line was in my future. When I was 10 my family and I moved to San Francisco. My mind for art was in love but my talent began falling in love more with colors and textures of fabrics for clothing rather than on canvas.

  What exactly do you design and how long have you been designing?

My range of designing does not know just one particular article of clothing. Dresses, skirts, track jackets, tees, blazers, shorts and many more items. I have been designing for 4 and a half years.

  Explain the meaning of HueGreene

HueGreene was created in 2007 and was two words brought into one. Hue is the first word which means color, form or appearance and Greene is my last name. Once the two were combined the ring and sound instantly grabbed my attention. HueGreene is not just to fit the body but to fit personalities as well. HueGreene believes that each article of clothing can look good on anyone but not betray a sense of confidents or swag.

  Where do you draw your inspiration from?

The majority of my inspiration comes from shapes and the way the wind makes objects move in various directions. For example depending on what’s in my eyesight, such as a light pole. It may move but it’s stiff so its movement will be all together one motion, which might give me an idea to make a piece of clothing move in that motion.

  What are your thoughts on Detroit’s fashion industry? 

 My view on the Detroit fashion industry is that it needs to be advertised more but even more so supported. So much talent in one area, it’s not enough room for everyone to get their shine. Especially with lack of support. But I do feel as if Detroit could with proper support, turn into a fashion-forward area.   

 Give a little background on yourself. 

I’m a young man who has a huge drive for fashion and a mind of business that allows so many doors to be opened. I never went to school for design or took any classes on how to draw. I have been into drawing since I was 4. From memorization I drew a portrait of various cartoon characters all together. At the age of 23 HueGreene is owned by myself and was helped funded by Derrick Greene Sr. and Angela Greene, my loving and supportive family.     


When will you debut your line and where can we find it? 

I plan on debuting the line in the spring of 2012. Fall 2011 at the earliest to be launched. Until then, there will be various pieces for sale. You can find the material at the blog site. (insert hyperlink)   


The HueGreene symbol is a destructed teddy bear, explain the meaning behind that.

 Fashion is like a child’s teddy bear. After so long and after so many years of playing with the teddy bear, the bear has key components missing but they end up being replaced by elements that make the bear more personal and unique. Fashion has done the same thing. As time goes on, key pieces end up missing but fashion replaces it leaving the era of fashion with its own mark in time.   

 Who is your favorite designer? 

Hmmm. St. John for her construction and fusing of various threads with fabrics. Keeping a classy look but adding slight edgy details. Secondly is Ralph Lauren because of the timeless look he has invented, choosing a symbol that is known worldwide. These two clothing designers have proven that staying true to your field of fashion design but creating timeless articles are the way to go.   


Where do you see yourself and the HueGreene collection within the next few years?

The next few years I hope to see the line in areas such as New York, LA, California, Miami, Florida and Chicago. I hope to see the line on the backs of everyone. People in high places and people with the mindset of high places.

  HueGreene is a line created by a person who embodies style and creativity as well as drive and determination. Creator and founder, Derrick Greene, is an inspiration to not only Detroiters but also to individuals outside of the city and across the country. Being such a young man, Derrick’s ever-so-stylish company will certainly go places as a result of the hard work and intricate ideas put into the HueGreene collection.

  For more about HueGreene, follow Derrick on twitter and keep up with the progress of the clothing line by reading the HueGreene blog.  

www.huegreene.blogspot.com