By Chris Richburg
Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons continues to expand his presence in the clothing industry with his new menswear collection, Russell Simmons Argyle Culture.
The clothing line targets men of success over the age of 25, as it combines original urban concepts with the buttoned-up styling of men's professional attire.
According to Simmons, Argyle Culture represents a natural evolution in his clothing-related pursuits.
"After nearly 20 years in the young men's business I have always intended to design sophisticated men's wear for the urban graduate," said Simmons, who teamed with GQ magazine for the Spring 2008 Argyle Culture Ad campaign.
To promote the new line, an advertising campaign will run for six months in various publications and on the Internet.
Simmons, who will serve as the face of Argyle Culture, recently took part in a photo shoot for the ad campaign that was shot in St. Bart's by photographer Ben Watts.
Although the line employs his name, Simmons' moniker will not appear on Argyle Culture clothing.
GQ will include Argyle Culture in a four-page style section in its March issue as well as a behind the scenes look at the photo shoot on its website.
Since its launch at retail during the 2007 holiday season, the line has proven popular among consumers as it landed at number one in sales in the Macy's men's section.
In November of 2007, Simmons stepped down as the CEO of Phat Farm, three years after he sold the company for $140 million dollars to clothing giant Kellwood in 2004.