Chris Winters Brings Clothing Line “Wallow” to Wake

Hailing from Houston, Chris Winters sits before me in a crisp, pinstripe button-down. Underneath a shaggy mess of hair, he shines a big, boyish smile as a friend’s puppy nuzzles his leg. Chris, always quick and witty, points down at the little pup and laughingly asks, “Have you met my Beach Weekend date? She’s a great gal,” as his new canine friend starts gnawing away at his shoes. Shaking my head at the two goofballs, I realize I’m about to be in for an entertaining treat of an interview. You’d never guess it, but freshman Chris Winters helped pioneer the Austin, TX-based clothing line “Wallow.”

 
Her Campus: So Chris, tell me what it’s like to be the Chief Salesman and Designer for Wallow Clothing?
Chris Winters: Well, there’s a lot more responsibility – I have to always be on top of inventory and sales. And make sure the name “Wallow” becomes more and more of a household name. As for dealing with the media, I mean, press conferences here and there, autographing for fans . . .
 
HC: And do you plan on advertising Wallow Clothing on the Wake Forest campus?
CW: I do, yeah, definitely. I really want to hit it hard this upcoming fall. We came out with a sweatshirt with some new designs – hopefully spread the name (“Wallow”) on the Wake Forest campus and become a big retail threat.

 
HC: Where did you come up with the company name “Wallow?”
CW: Martin (the company founder) really came up with the name “Wallow.” “Wallow” means to lie around in a relaxed state, so one can say it’s almost synonymous with the word “chill.” It embodies the idea of Wallow Clothing being a lifestyle brand — it’s clothing in which one can sit around and enjoy life and be with friends and throw back some adult beverages.
 
HC: So Wallow Clothing’s trademark “Life is the Party” falls along those same lines?
CW: “Life is the Party” embodies the idea that instead of trying to be the life of the party, realize that everything you do isthe party. Are you gonna enjoy the party? Or be the bum at the party? You gotta step back and realize that your life is the actual party – don’t go looking for it anywhere else.

 
HC: What does that trademark’s “Life is the Party” mean to you here at Wake Forest?
CW: Life is the party here at Wake. I would say it’s all about enjoying the full experience of being in college. Taking advantage of every situation you are given. You know, being the epitome of “work hard, play hard.”
 
So, if you’re ever in need of some food for thought or just plain comfortable tees, check out Wallow Clothing and look forward to Wallow at Wake in this upcoming fall!

*Photography by freshman Karleigh Ash