With the launch of their streetwear collection in June—Pistol Etiquette designers, Brass and Jazzi are what we call trendsetters in fashion.  Making the transition from hip-hop photographer and producer—Pistol Ettiquette founders, Brass and Jazzi have followed their dreams and aspire to continue to grow their business to new heights.

Rawe: First and foremost, the name Pistol Etiquette is the mix of masculine and feminine.  What inspired the name for the line?

Brass: We wanted something that was ill and edgy, but also something that no one else had or has ever heard of.  It took a while to come up with, but Pistol Etiquette was finally born.

Rawe: Individually, can you give readers a background on each of you and what elements you think you bring to the line?

Brass: In terms of style, I’ve always been a tomboy.  I stayed wearing my older brother’s clothes.  You won’t see us put out things that aren’t a little lose fitting.  My professional background is photography and television production so I handle all the visuals, be it the look book or the Pistol Etiquette channel on Vimeo.

Jazzi: Just like Brass, I’m a tomboy.  My dad treated me like the shon he never had—so Jordans, Sneakers and Snapbacks have been a staple in my wardrobe since I can remember.  So with that in mind, my designs are far from frilly—versatility is something I keep in mind with the designs.

Rawe: Speaking of background, you both have a background in hip-hop.  Jazzi as a producer and Brass as a hip-hop photographer, how big of an impact do you feel the culture of hip-hop has had on your clothing?  Has it influenced any of the styles?

Brass: You can almost always catch me in a pair of chucks, if that’s not LA hip-hop I don’t know what is.  I’m loyal to my soil!  I think my style is very laidback in general, which is very west coast.  I like to be comfortable give me a v-neck, jeans and some chucks and I’m good to go.

Jazzi:  I am so hip-hop.  With that, I love playing with popular lines from Jay-Z songs, BIG songs Pac Songs, when creating, it definitely shows our popular “I love my pistol, I don’t love no bitch,” sticker.

Rawe:  Being from Kansas which is such a small stat and typically not known for fashion, how did you decide fashion is what you wanted to do?

Jazzi:  I was raised by my great-grandmother, who were both seamstress and I grew up looking up to Coco Chanel.  So as soon as I learned how to sew a button and heam a pair of pants, I knew that this was something that I wanted to do eventually.  I wanted to create something for girls like me.

Rawe: Brass, as a photographer first, how do you think this has helped you understand clothing, as far as the fit or the looks?

Brass: Definitely.  When I shoot portraits for people my number one priority is to make sure the subject looks their very best.  So a lot of planning goes into that in terms of what outfits best display their personality.  Every picture has to make a statement.  You need to pay heavy attention to detail in order to pull that off.

Rawe: How would you describe Pistol Etiquette as a lifestyle?

Brass: It all goes back to the meaning of Pistol Etiquette.  If you look up the word “pistol” in the dictionary, aside from being a deadly weapon, it’s also slang for someone whose sharp and on point—a go getter, if you will.  That’s what the brand stands for in terms of lifestyle.  We’re about women who are about their business, whatever that business is…

Jazzi:  You talk it, we live it.  It’s the attitude we have, and practice and we encourage.

Rawe:  Where is Pistol Etiquette sold?

Brass: www.pistoletiquette.com.

Rawe: What are you working on now?

Brass: Taking over the world.  Just kidding—not really.  Building brand awareness.  Getting the world out.  We only launched on June 15, yet the word is spreading like wildfire.  The feedback and support have been amazing so far.

Rawe:  If you could design or style any artists right now, who would it be?

Brass: Teyana Taylor, she would be perfect.  She’s the perfect blend of tomboy yet she’s still sexy.

Jazzi: My exact sentiments.

Rawe: Also, what stars do you think are dope fashion wise?

Brass: Gwen Stefani and my friend Monique (aka @KittiFontain) who’s a stylist to a few celebs.  Her own person style is amazing.

Jazzi: I’m going to say Omyrah Mota, she is so rad.  Words can’t express my love.

Rawe:  As designer, you guys are able to lay out the trends that we consumers must follow.  What do you guys believe are the key essentials we need right now?

Brass:  Accessories! Bracelets, Necklaces, rings, hair clips.  It’s all about accessories right now.  They can spice up the most boring of outfits.

Jazzi: I’m going to say raw denim skinny jeans.  Very versatile, good for day or night.

Rawe: Lastly, what are some bigger projects you are working on in the future?

Brass: All top secret, but definitely expect a few capsule collections to pop off her and there.

Jazzi: What B said.

Make sure you check out Pistol Etiquette Clothing @ PistolEtiquette.com.  Also, follow the girls on Twitter @BrassPix (Brass)  & @PistolEtiquette (Jazzi).