There are many pre-parties for Fashion Week, and last night we had the honor of attending one of them. Personally invited by the honoree, Matt Levine of Steelo, the party was buzzing with industry folk, local celebs, models, and a slew of very well dressed fashionites and trendsetters. The brand encompasses en entire lifestyle which was evident throughout the crowded lounge, most of whom were wearing pieces from Steelo’s (which means ’style’) latest collection. Matt, wearing, of course, one his own creations greeted all guests and happily posed for press photos.

He started the collection back in 2004 with the idea of fusing together nightlife, entertainment, and fashion. ‘’My first collection was comprised of just t-shirts and customized blazers. I wanted to start off slow where the mistake and setbacks would be minimal. The first piece I created was a shirt entitled ‘I Love Paparazzi’ which was featured on the NBC Today Show—worn by Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. It was actually a men’s sweater, but women loved the oversized look of it. I was sold out of it immediately.”

With this kind of celebrity endorsing your threads, Steelo was sure to to a huge hit throughout the industry.

“In creating Steelo I wanted to create a sophisticated collection with style, fresh with elegance, the Lower East Side fused with Wall Street, the confidence of New York, the influence of Los Angeles, and the creativity of Japan.”

A true visionary, Matt believes that “if you sell to the right store, the right people will buy it.” Whatever his strategy, the boy is doing something right and we definitely respect his passion for the industry. His collection is available locally and online at Caravan.

Written by Rebecca Alexander