THE LEGEND BEHIND LHB: A YOUNG BRAND MUSE

The suit is emerald on black jacquard, double-vented, with a shawl lapel and formal treatments. He disregarded a few rules of formal wear. Not just because he wore it with Jordan Spizike Lows to match, but because formal jackets don't usually have double vents, and they aren't worn with skinny ties, either. Certainly, teeth grillz are not the expected accessory and the army tank he sat on for his teaser reel, seems perfectly of place.

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A teaser reel for the impending launch of LHB. The video contains images of a 14-year-old boy, impeccably dressed in a formal suit, while sitting on an army tank. The concept is bold, and the music is composed and written by the faith-based duo- THE BLACKLOVESMITHS. The song is a minute long and speaks of being more than human, being resilient, being a strong soul.

But that's style!

Legend has had it since he was two. Opting for bow ties from Sax Fifth Avenue, with his H+M ensemble.

A young Legend in a stylish ensemble with a bow tie, button-up shirt, a cable knit vest and jeans with Jordan's to match.

He's has always modeled a stylish presence.

It's in the genes.

His mother is the Creative Founder + Chief Brand Architect/ CEO of INVITE LUXURY, Inc. - a Bespoke Curation House, that operates as a boutique sartorial consultancy. It boasts a wholistic approach to personal style and branding. Legend Raphael is the Muse and Owner of LHB- The Legend Heir Boy - a young regal gentleman brand for the future leaders of the world.

Sitting at the LHB table as the executive decision over production, Legend is being groomed to inherit his mother's legacy.

The heirloom brand will consist of a fully realized vision, started seven years ago. Back when his mother Jo. Smith, Jr. was best known as Rain Raphael:

A 2018 video reel, showcasing The Legend Heir Boy brand's beginning stages. Complete with a very young Legend Moore Raphael and his mother- the author, recording artist and thought-leader, Rain Raphael.

The overarching mission of LHB is to provide young men of all ages, the opportunity to express themselves with a wardrobe selection that rivals that of retail's vast dedication to feminine children's wear. The need has been prevalent, prior to the establishment of this family brand and it remains in dire straits, at present. Still, Legend continues to inspire his mother to create clothes that are befitting a skilled teenage saxophonist and Junior National Honors Society Member. His well-rounded lifestyle calls for well-made casual garments that a confident student-athlete can adorn, and the tapered sophistication he might dress in, on his way to the theatre. Legend is an award-winning student and entering high school this year, with big visions to score and direct movies in college. How does a multi-hyphenated member of the youth dress to express himself in all these ways? The answer is mission of The Legend Heir Boy brand. Slated to feature forty looks for four brand sectors as soon as June of 2027. The debut fashion show will give a little of all sides of Legend, to celebrate a sweet 16, like no one has ever seen before.

Legend Raphael holds onto the caboose of the Old 299 Museum Exhibit, outdoors, wearing his custom jacquard suit, grillz, glasses and sneakers, with the rusted train behind him, old tracks beneath him.

If his eighth-grade prom suit is any indication of the liberties he is planning to take with the line, or the garment execution this dynamic duo plans to introduce... We cannot wait for tickets to go on sale.

We caught up with Legend during his summer break, to ask him a few questions:

How does it feel to be the muse and owner of a brand like LHB this early in life?

Legend: It's cool! I like it since most people I know aren't doing stuff like this... Like having their own business to help us young men get more clothes on the rack that give us more options to express ourselves on every occasion.

What are the three items you want to make sure your line produces, given the fact that you play a jazz instrument, are an athlete, and an honor roll student? What do you like to wear in these separate settings?

Legend: I want to be able to wear something formal for events that have to do with my accolades and academics. So, I would wear a tailored look: a button-up with a great pant and maybe a sweater or a blazer with some dress shoes, because it shows that I take these events seriously. However, as an athlete and even in my day-to-day, I like to be comfortable. So, I like to wear my zip-up hoodies and sweats. Not too baggy, I'm not a fan of clothes that don't fit me well. I keep a book bag with me or something like that. So, we're working on some cool accessories for sports that I think guys like me will like.

When you say we, you mean you and your mom? What's it like to own a business with your mom and how do you feel about the designs she creates as your Creative Lead? Do you two ever argue?

Legend: Yeah, when I say we I'm talking about my mom. I think it's cool to have a business with my mom because we're both so creative and she's been working in fashion for a long time. I don't see her as my mom when we are working, I see her as my business partner. So, there are times where we argue over a certain piece, but we always pick the right one.

Since, you are planning to make movies, who will run the business once it's passed down to you? Or do you still see yourself as involved as you currently are in the brand?

Legend: Preferably, I will run the company for as long as I can. I can only really see myself passing it down to my children. My mother made it clear that she and my father built this company so that I would never have to work for anyone, and that my sister and I make sure our children and grandchildren knew what they did for us.

Legacy is incredibly important, and it is refreshing to hear how much that resonates with you. Last question Legend. In your recent ad campaign, you wore teeth grillz near a historic army tank and did another shoot near the Old 299 Locomotive train in Paterson, NJ. I am curious as to how those set props tied into your formal look and the risks you and your mom took with a few of the broken fashion rules you captured. Can you give me little insight on it all?

Legend: I believe style has evolved in many different ways from that old idea. Mom is always big on history being honored in what we do today. So, even though the grillz may seem informal, they are actually how free slaves used to show their new wealth.

Thank you, Legend. Looking forward to seeing the launch.

You're welcome, and hopefully I'll see you buy one of our pieces!

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