OUR STORY

I’m C.Mars, the founder and Creative Director of Sartorial Splendor. My path to becoming a fashion designer has been shaped by resilience, faith, and an unwavering commitment to my craft. Raised in Savannah, GA, I grew up with big dreams, and by the time I reached my senior year at the University of Georgia, I was on the verge of realizing one of them—playing basketball professionally. However, life had other plans. A career-ending ACL injury not only took me off the court but also led me into a deep period of mental exhaustion and depression. What seemed like a devastating setback turned out to be a powerful redirection.

After graduating with a degree in Fashion Merchandising, I found myself in the heart of Atlanta, facing a struggling economy. The recession made opportunities scarce, and despite countless interviews, I was often told I was "overqualified." The constant rejection could have broken my spirit, but during this difficult time, I rediscovered myself in a different light. While working part-time at a coffee shop and interning at a local boutique, I unearthed a hidden talent for design and tailoring. My first mentor, Jason Scott, played a pivotal role in this awakening, introducing me to the intricate world of garment construction and opening my eyes to the beauty of fashion as art.

In 2012, I took a bold step and launched my first venture, Christy's Closet. It began as a small operation where I reimagined and revamped thrifted denim jackets, creating unique, hand-crafted pieces and showcasing them on social media. The response was immediate and validating, but it became clear to me that my ambitions outgrew Atlanta’s limitations. I packed my bags and moved to Los Angeles without a clear plan, navigating a challenging period where I often lived out of hotels—and sometimes even my car. But no matter how rough the road became, I held on to my vision. Sartorial Splendor was always in my mind, even when my circumstances seemed impossible.

In L.A., I faced numerous obstacles, including the loss of a business partnership and subsequent financial struggles. Evicted and uncertain of my next move, I found myself starting from scratch. But even in the face of adversity, I stayed focused on developing my craft. Sartorial Splendor took shape in 2015, this time as a brand built solely on my vision, reflecting my growth as both a designer and an entrepreneur. During this time, I sought mentorship from Gentleman Jim, a master tailor whose knowledge refined my skills and deepened my understanding of design.

In 2017, I moved to New York City to immerse myself in the fashion industry’s culture. I taught myself embroidery, pattern-making, and screen printing, mastering every facet of product development. This hands-on experience culminated in Sartorial Splendor's feature at New York Fashion Week—a moment that confirmed I was on the right path. The brand's presence in such a prestigious event marked a major milestone, but it also fueled a deeper desire to expand both my skills and my brand’s reach.

Despite the successes, the journey has been filled with difficult moments—losing jobs, facing financial instability, and constantly needing to prove myself. But these challenges have only reinforced my commitment to the art of design and product development. In 2019, I returned to Atlanta, determined to establish a physical home for Sartorial Splendor. In 2020, we opened our first design studio and showroom, a space that now serves as a creative hub for future collections.

Today, I’m still growing as a fashion designer, continuously learning and evolving in this ever-changing industry. I'm proud to serve as the creative director for Sartorial Splendor. My journey is far from over, and I remain dedicated to pushing boundaries, both in my own work and within the fashion world at large.