A local mailman is living a double, and very fashionable, life. When he’s not “Stan the Mailman” delivering mail with a smile, he’s hard at work on his latest styles. Stanley Covington, 50, has always been interested in artistry and fashion design, and now he will get a chance to showcase his designs at New York Fashion Week for the second time.
Covington started drawing at the age of nine. He says his mother and sister recognized his abilities and motivated him to develop his skills even further.
“Drawing was my first passion. I did that all my life,” said Covington. “My mother and my sister saw a difference in the way I drew…That’s when I started taking it serious. I paid more attention to art classes when I had it in school.”
Although he did not attend any art schools, Covington was still able to further cultivate his interests in drawing.
“It was strictly all self-taught; all on my own,” said Covington.
As a young man, Covington was always intrigued by fashion designs. He said he was always a well-dressed guy and has continued to be interested in the intricacies of the fashion world. When Covington would visit a store and look at clothing, he always wished there were little things he could change about the pieces he saw to better suit his style.
“I would go home and reconstruct and draw it out, because I loved drawing anyway, and I just drew this idea that I had in my head on paper. The next thing I knew I had a whole portfolio full of designs that I had constructed,” recalled Covington.
Covington describes his line of fashions, The Imoya Collection, as “old vintage Hollywood meets modern chic.” Imoya is a collaboration of artwork into his designs and this year he was able to incorporate his paintings on the actual designs themselves.
The name Imoya, is also an homage to Covington’s mother, father and sister who have all passed away. The acronym stands for: In Memory of You Always.
“This show is actually dedicated to my father, who most recently passed away,” said Covington.
Being that it is his second time showcasing designs at New York Fashion Week, Covington is confident he has a better grasp of how the industry works now.
“This time around, being that I did it before, I’m a little more hands on,” said Covington. “I’m a little more knowledgeable of what goes on. As far as dealing closely with the seamstress to get the garment correct, I’m slightly more advanced than the first time.”
Covington also offers advice to any up and coming fashion designers hoping to make it in the industry.
“Don’t give up. It’s a hard industry,” he said. “Be patient take a moment and try to get your thoughts together, make sure you do get back up and back into it because something will happen for you.”
The Imoya Collection by Stanley Covington will be featured at Hotel Pennsylvania, 401 Seventh Ave., Manhattan on Feb. 18 at 8:45 p.m. Tickets are available through plitzs.com/nycfashionweek.
