Diversity by design

Walking into artist Emmanuel “Q” Qlynton Carboo’s downtown Worcester shop is like entering a different world, resplendent in hanging streetwear clothes, rows of sewing machines, and bins and bins of fabric and thread.

The shop is divided into three areas: a sewing area, an educational area where Q holds classes and workshops for Worcester-area youth, and a content-creation area where his brand development is headquartered. Touring around the shop is witnessing the inside of Q’s brain — the space is colorful, creative, and joyfully chaotic.

Q is the featured artist in Clark’s 2024 CLARK_xCOLLAB partnership, a project that connects Worcester designers with the Clark community. The designers create a limited clothing line bringing their personal style to University apparel available for purchase at the Clark Campus Store.

A self-taught designer originally from Ghana, Q started his business reselling sneakers. His love for clothing grew into a custom line and an initiative to provide educational opportunities and arts-based community resources. Through his brand WavvsNewage, Q offers a sewing workshop and an after-school program at Creative Hub Worcester. People can purchase Q’s clothes at the store Wavvz Concepts, also located at Creative Hub Worcester, at 653 Main St.

“The enthusiasm has just been such a craze. I’m very excited for the line to launch.”

-Q

CLARK_xCOLLAB was launched in 2022 by Joseph Corazzini, vice president for government and community affairs, who has noted that he seeks to elevate city artists and help the University engage with Worcester through partnerships linking local creatives with Clarkie culture.

“When I had the chance to collaborate with Clark, the first thing that clicked for me was that I was seeing a diverse college,” Q says. “I knew I wanted to display that.”

Q’s designs feature rainbows and bold lettering with an emphasis on campus diversity. The line will be available in the Campus Store during Family and Friends Weekend from Oct. 25 to Oct. 27, as well as on a pre-order system on the store’s website. After Family and Friends Weekend, any unsold items will be available in the Campus Store. Profits go directly to the artist. Items are expected to cost about $30-$35 for shirts, $30-$35 for caps, and $40-$75 for sweatshirts. Clark students offered feedback on the designs on Instagram and during the Community Engagement and Volunteer fair in early September.

Campus Store Manager Robin Dziczek says that among college merchandise, the designs are entirely unique.

“It’s not something I’ve seen before within the college market,” Dziczek says. “There are certainly other diversity-geared designs out there — we have several in the store — but nothing like these.”

The anticipation for the new apparel is palpable, both on campus and in Q’s shop.

“The enthusiasm has just been such a craze. I’m very excited for the line to launch,” Q says. “My goal is to let Worcester and Clark know that the shop can create and make anything from scratch. We’ll take any ideas.”

Q heard about CLARK_xCOLLAB through the previous two featured designers, Curtis Kariuki and MAYD in America (Joel Stanley Dunbar). He was both surprised and overjoyed to find that he had been selected.

“It’s great for someone like me to take advantage of this because I didn’t graduate from college,” says Q. “I want to see what I learn from this experience.”

The designer got his start in fashion after trying out a friend’s sewing machine more than a decade ago. Now, he’s designed a tour jacket for DJ and record producer Steve Aoki, is a resident artist at Creative Hub Worcester, and is a familiar face on Clark’s campus. He has worked with student groups on several arts events, including a fashion show, a fashion and music night, and more.

“The city and Clark have paid attention to my growth,” Q says. “This recognition is encouraging, because it feels like our community really embraces my business.”