China Royal Gets Kickstarter Love From All

China Royal continues to get and give love via Kickstarter. Whether supporters are in the food industry, the art world, or have worked in fashion for years, China Royal is a stylish fit for them. We get to know more of the brand’s Kickstarter backers and all around supporters.

Chef Gerry Garvin (pictured above) has known Shikiri Hightower-Gaskin for almost 15 years. After being the executive chef for her highly acclaimed Beverly Hills soulfood restaurant Reign, he blazed a career trail filled with household names, including working for the Ritz Carlton, Noa Noa, Morton’s and the Four Seasons Beverly Hills. The three-time author was also recently spotted working his magic at the New York City Wine and Food Festival.

What are some of your favorite items in the China Royal line?
I love the hoodies and the t-shirts. I think it’s all hot. Shikiri’s very good at that.

How would you describe your personal style?
I love a great suit, great shoes, and a nice timepiece. I work out six days a week so I like things to be fitted but not tight. I went to Nobu last night and had on a vest, a skinny Tom Ford tie, and Zegna pants. I’m not very funky though–I wear tees and things on the weekend but I like to travel in style.

What other brands will you mix and match with your China Royal rewards?
I’m a Neiman Marcus fan so I wear their jeans. Seven [For All Mankind] also makes great jeans so I can match those with a China Royal tee and a great Ferragamo shoe. I also have a couple of Paul Stuart slacks at home. I’m not really a fashion guy, and I’m absolutely not a trend follower. If it looks good to me that’s what matters. I just do me.

Pastor Richard Sherer has known Shikiri Hightower-Gaskin and her husband and business partner Bela for almost two years as members at his church Berith Christian Fellowship. He’s in the midst of organizing a boutique event that his Oakland  church is hosting in November where congregants and the surrounding community can donate one fashion or home item, and take a fashion or home item donated by another member.

How did you become a fan of China Royal?
Bela and Shikiri told me the plan before the line launched. They’re stylish, genuine people and they have a style that I think people would want to wear. Plus I saw their passion and excitement for the line.

How would you describe your personal style?
Business casual. I like suits, ties, hats, the whole nine. But people don’t dress that way now and I like to be comfortable. I have interesting dimensions so all my suits are tailored. I wear jeans all the time, relaxed but not baggy.

What are some trends you might indulge in this fall?
Boots are back in a big way for men, so are jean jackets, even layered with a vest. Where we live we have a few seasons, our temperatures change dramatically so you have to layer. Your look changes throughout the day. I’m interested in that China Royal [men’s] suit for mixing and matching.

Azja Pryor–yes, relation to Richard Pryor on her grandfather’s side, is a busy Southern California mom who lives a lifestyle rooted in health and wellness. For her, comfortable clothing that also looks chic is a high priority for her. With a style always infused with Boho-Hippie elements she’s excited to pair her box braids do and stylish ‘tude with great new fashion finds.

Why did you become a China Royal Kickstarter backer?
Shikiri is my girl so I’ll support whatever she’s doing. That was my first inclination. Once I saw the pieces and spoke to her and Bela and saw the passion they had, and the admiration he has for her, it was touching. I saw the hoodie and loved it. I thought it was so fly I wanted to support and I wanted to get some pieces for myself.

What are some of your China Royal favorites?
I love the hoodie–the China Royal symbol on the back! I got a sample of the butterfly dress and wore it to a training in Vegas, I got so many compliments on it.

What’s your favorite look on a guy?
I love a clean looking man, a guy who can put on a button up and tailored pants or a suit with no tie, and I mean really wear that suit. Shoes are really important too, you can tell a lot about a man in his selection of shoes. I hate baggy clothes and I don’t like too tight either, those looks could just die.

What would you love to see next from China Royal?
More shoes, and purses! Accessories, a laptop bag, add-ons to the pieces I already love.