Meet Out Fashion Vanguard Finalist Marcel Coleman Jr.

Marcel Coleman Jr. is a manipulator, a constructor and a self-proclaimed "color pusher." These qualities have pushed him to be an aspiring fashion designer and are what drive him to create new pieces every day.

Marcel, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, got his start in the world of fashion at a young age. When his aunt, who worked as a dress designer, was at school, he would sneak into her room and study her sketches. In high school, Marcel could not always afford new clothing, so he would simply destroy and reconstruct what he already owned. This trend of de- and reconstruction has followed through to today, as he prefers to work with natural fibers because they are easiest to manipulate.

According to Marcel, fashion and style are all about "making people uncomfortable because it's new, celebrating who you are, and not being ashamed of how you see your art." This philosophy is evident in the people he describes as his own fashion inspiration, including Henrik Vibskov, Solange, Pharrell and Humberto Leon.

Meet the other two Out Fashion Vanguard Finalists Andrew Morrison and Kim Mesches. Stay tuned to see all three progress as they each design a custom look to be showcased at the Out Fashion Vanguard Awards in Los Angeles on March 30th.