Houston’s Djilan ‘Dilo” D
“Sleep and work is all I know now”
Meet Houston, Texas native: Djilan “Dilo” D. He’s the definition of modern black boy fly, and is the creator of ‘Hot Boys Clothing.’ “Each tee is bleached by me, by hand with different ordinary bleach designs. Each tee is different, because I want the customer to feel as if [the tee] was specially made. Nobody's tee will be [the same] as the next customers,” Djilan told me. I got candid with the H-Town youngin’ dreaming who describes himself as "a creative, humble stylist."
The Visionary Boss: Describe your style.
"My style is a twist between designer and a vintage look with a lot of sneakers mixed in. I like to make up different outfits, but always want it to pop out from others."
Biggest fashion and style muses?
"[I’m] really influenced from the 90's. I love the culture and clothing of that era. Gold chains, gold hoops, track suits and all!"
Describe your go-to outfit.
"My go-to outfit would be a jean denim jacket or a bomber. Chains of course, and distressed jeans. [I would wear] any sneakers that’d match, but I make sure the shoes always stand out. The fit really depends on how I'm feeling at that time."
Favorite season for fashion?
"Fall or winter. To jackets to flannels, that’s the season to be the flyest of all."
It seems like bleached tees are the new white T’s. A brand new classic. What do you love about bleached, distressed concert tees?
"What I love about the bleached tees and distressed tees are [that they’re] so weird looking, but fly at the same time. You can put your own little twist and style with them."
Jerseys have always been an easy, go-to trend. Now they’re coming back. Thank you, Fabolous. Are you feeling the jersey trend?
"Man, I got to follow the jersey trend. And Fabulous is one of my biggest influences in dressing. [Jerseys] are so vintage and 90’s. Everything about it is dope to me; it’s one of my go-to looks."
What inspired the jersey photoshoot you did? That was dope. It gave me ‘black boy fly’ vibes.
"I always wanted to do a 90's look as I was saying before. I watch a lot of older movies like Paid in Full, Juice, and New Jack City. [I see different outfits] and try to make my own."
Also, tell the story of the Tupac tee photoshoot.
"[I was inspired] to do the Tupac shoot the same day as the jersey shoot. Really wanted to keep it vintage as always, but at the same time up to date with the colors, surroundings, and filters added on."
What is a fashion staple/essential in your closet?
"Jackets. To the bombers, jean jackets and biker jackets [That’s my staple], because any jacket will set off any outfit you prefer. If you want to go basic, stylish, or whatever [a jacket] will work."
Three pairs of sneakers that “saved” your life?
"I'm big on sneakers and have a pretty big collection, so this is a pretty hard question. If I had to choose, my top 3 would definitely be the Air Force one. You can wear anything with them. Then Jordan 1, and Air Presto."
Do you prefer neutrals or a pop of color?
"I'll take neutrals over pop colors, because it's more of a causal and dressier look. But I'll also throw on something that pops to look different then what the next person is sporting."
What is something in your closet that makes you feel like a Mr. GQ?
"I know the exact answer to that, umm it'll have to be distressed black jeans, with a black biker jacket and Louboutins. Always a collared or button up,(not buttoned all the way up). That'll be my "GQ" look."
It’s date night with your girl. What are you wearing?
"Date night with my girl, I can't be looking lame. So I’ll wear a collared button down, chains and jeans—or maybe slacks depending on where we're going."
Does music influence your style?
"Music definitely has influenced my style big time. Seeing old hip hop videos with the tracksuits, Adidas, and big chains—I always thought it was dope. Now it's all about designer these days with rappers. And I'm rocking with it to so, I’m looking at Faboulous, Quavo, and Tory Lanez. They are all a big influence on my clothing and style."
Describe Houston to anyone who hasn’t been. The culture, the vibe, environment.
"Man, Houston is like no other city. From our cars, music, drank, how we talk. No other city is like ours. We originated a lot of stuff that no one really knows. It's like everyone is a big ass family. Like we all know how to communicate and rock together as one instead of individually."
What is your average day like. Start to finish.
"My average day would be first taking my morning shower, brushing my teeth and doing my hair. [If I don’t have work] I'm sitting down, thinking of new ideas for my clothing or meeting up for shirt pickups. After I'll call up my bros and or my girl and we go out and chill at the movies or go out to eat. My life is simple nothing to big. Then the cycle starts over again the next day."
Why did you start your t-shirt brand? When? How?
"I've been talking about making a clothing brand for a while. Probably since my 8th grade year. I really didn't start it at that time because I was worried on what other people thought and not worry about my own. To be honest, I feel like I waited so long on it, because some of the biggest trends now [are ones] I've already thought about, but never put out. Freshman year came around and I became good friends with my “brother” Davieon (DV). I told him about my ideas, and shit and he was interested, so he gave me some of the ideas I have today."
Goals for the rest of the year and 2017?
"My goal for 2017 is just maintaining my focus. Continuing to be humble. And the biggest thing is getting closer to God. I’m going to attend church more. God is the only one that's making stuff like this happen. Now, I just gotta get to learn and know him more."
