KiserNY - H&H Certified!

One day, Kiser Barnes got up, got to work on his clothing line, and realized something both strange and exciting: Kanye West was wearing his shirt. The hip-hop icon had been given one of Kiser's designs by a DJ friend, and loved it so much that he wore it while hosting MTV's "Total Request Live". For a down-to-earth guy that says he "hasn't really been chasing celebrities" to endorse his designs, it was a pretty big coux for Kiser.

Kiser's shirts and hoodies for both men and women have also been popping up in articles and holiday gift guides for numerous magazines, including Cargo, Nylon, GQ, and Complex. There was another surprise appearance when Kiser's DJ buddy wore one of his shirts on the cover of URB magazine.

Even without worrying whose highly-publicized back is sporting his shirts, Kiser is a pretty busy entrepreneur. The former graphic designer began his line (also named "Kiser") in late 2004 with a partner, but has since taken over most or all responsibilities. What began as a Soho sidewalk sale for tourists soon warped into a full-scale occupation. Despite being a fashion rookie, Kiser successfully got his bright and graphically beautiful shirts into stores around the world. He also does business out of an immaculately designed online store, for the transportation-impaired.

So, what's the attraction with the designs? And why T-shirts? "The concept is different from a lot of stuff that's out there right now," says the designer, who cites a childhood spent in Africa as one of his many influences. He looks at everything from (streetwear line) Modern Amusement to Sonia Rykiel for inspiration, but generates a look that is inimitably his own. Kiser hopes to collaborate on a line of sneakers in the near future, and considers "a graphic life" as his motto for the designs that are equal parts skatewear, cyber-cool, and big-pimpin'. T-shirts start at $30.

So, what's it like doing what you love for a living? "Sometimes I question it," admits Kiser. "But sometimes I wake up and it's like "I have the best life. I have an impact on popular culture."

Go to KiserNY.com to check out the goods.