THE LEGACY
GENESIS
In 2012, visionary MarQuis Black aimed to create more than just clothing; he wanted to ignite a movement. What began as a mission to design for friends grew into a larger vision, inspired by icons like Eazy E and N.W.A, Wiz Khalifa and "Taylor Gang," Jay-Z and YE, and the blending of luxury fashion and art on the classic "Watch The Throne" album, as well as the rise of the A$AP Mob. Recognizing a gap in the market for streetwear brands owned by creative Black voices, he sought to challenge the dominance of mainstream labels and establish something authentic, rooted in culture.
"The notorious empire"
MarQuis was always inspired by raw authenticity, drawing influence from the late business mogul Eazy-E. Desiring his own empire, MarQuis took inspiration from the iconic group N.W.A and the raw energy of the A$AP Mob. Linking up with artist and classmate Jordan Portis, he recreated the iconic Raiders logo worn by N.W.A, giving it an urban twist, and just like that, "The Notorious Empire" was born. This marked a monumental moment in MarQuis's life. At just 18 years old, he began to see himself not just as a designer, but as a businessman and a revolutionary. He proudly became one of the pioneers of streetwear culture in the state of Ohio.
STYLE STITCHED FROM SURVIVAL
MarQuis, with no generational wealth or formal fashion, built his brand from scratch through determination and hard work. Relying on self-taught skills and from his great-grandmother, he developed a passion for upcycling and screen printing, leading to a bold streetwear movement Aware that the fashion industry needed resources and capital, he understood he had to hustle harder to compete against major corporations.
MarQuis built his dream from the ground up, fueled by ambition, passion, and determination. Frustrated with industry barriers and personal responsibilities, such as the pressures of being the man of the house, he sought alternatives, taking risks and relying on the streets to fund his vision. In 2013, things took a turn when MarQuis unexpectedly lost his mother, a pivotal moment that tested his resilience and plunged him into deep depression. However, after years of healing and reflection, MarQuis confidently redefined his brand and identity, embracing the evolving fashion landscape with a fresh vision.
2013
REDEMPTION
In 2018, MarQuis's passion for art and fashion underwent a transformation after watching a compelling interview with his mentor, Supreme Bey. Captivated by Bey's elegance and minimalist luxury, MarQuis boldly rebranded from "Notorious Empire" to "Made by MarQuis" in 2020, delivering timeless essentials that seamlessly blend lounge and luxury streetwear. His mission was clear: to empower consumers to feel confident and stylish in any environment. With an eye on a global audience, MarQuis fearlessly redefined his brand once again in 2023, emerging as what is now known as The Iconic Legacy MarQuis BlaQue.
