Ta-Bu (Truly About Being U’s) founder and creative mastermind Marques
Massengale, prides himself in creating a different yet wearable line that
both celebrities and others can enjoy alike. Using simplistic colors for the soft and cozy hoodies and tee shirts and sparkly tank tops, Marques focuses on creating fashionable styles while still remaining affordable. With his line already being a hit among celebrities at the Emmy gifting suites this past September, Marques took time to discuss his goals for the future and where he sees his clothing line headed.
LATP: Tell us a little about your fashion inspirations.
Marques Massengale: My inspirations are simply my life as the way I grow up and as the way I would like it to be.
LATP: What makes Ta-Bu different from all the other fashion lines currently on the market?
MM: What makes TA-BU different is the classiness coupled with the edge. Also the pricing; we don’t have $300 shirts in our line, which we feel is ridiculous.
LATP: Tell us a little about your current line? And how does it differ from your first line
MM: The differences between seasons 1 & 2 are huge. The 1st season I was on a religious kick. I was so frustrated with the world and its’ take on religions so the 1st season’s line gave me a freedom to speak on that. This season I am on a tattoo kick…LOL…I love tattoos and I get to think about what cool tats I would love to have without completely covering my body.
LATP: Where is Ta-Bu available?
MM: Right now TA-BU is sold online and in small stores on Melrose in LA.
LATP: What is the biggest challenge of running your own company because I understand you are the creative mastermind behind all designs as well?
MM: The toughest part is getting your name out there so you can make your money; the ideas are the easy part.
LATP: Are you at all worried about the competitive nature of the fashion industry?
MM: No I am not worried about something I have no control over. There are billions of people in the world and 365 days in a year. I am sure TA-BU can fit in somewhere.
LATP: What kinds of items are available in your lines?
MM: T-shirts, Sweatshirts, and Jackets are currently in our line, but there is much more coming soon!
LATP: I understand you were born and raised in Los Angeles. Did your upbringing play a part in developing your line?
MM: Oh most definitely! LA is the most beautiful and diverse place on the planet, it is impossible to live here and not have your creative side come out at some point.
LATP: I understand you were a huge hit at a recent Emmy gifting lounge. Any celebrity following as of yet?
MM: Yes, we did receive some great attention after GBK’s amazing lounge. It was such an honor to be there. The celebs seemed to love us. Kevin Dillon and Tim Daly were seen wearing our shirts the very next day.
LATP: Tell us a little bit about the namesake of your company, Ta-Bu or “Truly About Being U.”
MM: Truly About Being U is just that; it’s about you and how you see yourself in the clothes.
LATP: Describe the garment quality.
MM: We have just made the change to Organic Cotton and the change is so much better for quality of life as well as the quality of the clothes themselves.
LATP: What celebs would you most like to see wearing Ta-Bu and why?
MM: Honestly, I would love to see everyone wearing TA-BU. I want to see a complete take over. I would love to see TA-BU become a household name.
LATP: Where do you see your clothing line in five years?
MM: I see TA-BU as a respectful clothing line, like a Polo, Lacoste or Bebe. I want the same success and longevity of the amazing lines.
LATP: What’s next for the line?
MM: Nationwide & Global I hope.
I Love Ta-Bu Clothing!!!!