Interviews > ‘CLAW’ RIPS INTO FASHION – CLAW MONEY
Saster cats: I’m about to make an introduction that many of you have been longing for, for a loooooong time. It’s all good though, you don’t have to thank me. I like making introductions. Saster cats, meet Claw Money. Now, let’s keep it real: many of you know who she is and respect her steez. She used to get down n dirty on the wicked streets of New York, getting her fill of fill-ins, signatures and choice (master) pieces.
She came, rather mystically, from Long Island after high school. Came to Manhattan’s Fashion Institute of Technology. Fashion was her passion, and that passion would wind up getting wound up in New York City nightlife and various subterranean cultures. Down the line, her passions came together like the Wu Tang Clan did on Staten Island in ‘92; a simple t-shirt she made became her equivalent to the Wu’s “Protect Ya neck” single. From there, Ms. Money entered her own personal 36th Chamber, if you will, via a more expanded line of garments and accouchements.
There are haters out there, however, and folks are entitled to their own opinions. But weather you hate her or wanna date her, there’s no denying her rise, there’s no denying her influence and dominance in the very specialized dominion she done changed. Claw Money is a state of mind. She’s a scientist in an age where technology is our best friend. But chill with the friend requests (she gets much fan mail but can’t always respond).
Nah, but seriously, Claw has some really interesting things going on. It’s amazing where this culture can lead you if your mind is open to the possibilities. Graff can make you, but Graff can take you down. It is those of us who can harness that power and re-invent and innovate who wind up holding all of the chips. And I’m not talking about the chips you find packed into airtight bags, either. Claw’s power is transformational. Ask her what P.M.S stands for.
You probably won’t see her before I will, so I’ll take the liberty to tell ya: P.M.S stands for Power, Money, and Sex. Alright, I’ll put the bra-strap down now…
Sherwin Williams
Saster: Let’s keep it real: a lot of folks on Saster know you from your writing career…When did you first start writing?
Claw Money: I started writing at the tail end of the ’80s. As a kid, I was given the nick name CLAW, short for Claudia–due to my spunky and steadfast personality…so naturally, after hanging about with all these guys, I got to thinking that I already had the perfect tag name and that I was naturally a writer too, just because I WAS the CLAW already. So after a night of partying, someone would whip out a spray can, and I would wait for my turn and then try to be like the boys by scrawling a horribly executed tag on the wall. Needless to say, I got a lot of flack–as all novices and/or toy writers do. You know, telling me that I wasn’t a writer, that I shouldn’t try to be one, it was basically like, “give it up FIT girl, and go make yourself an outfit.”
That basically was the spark that turned into a burning–and yearning–to paint, and get that respect from the boys. I could keep up with snaky conversations, the drinking and drug taking-so why couldn’t I compete on the vast canvas called New York City? School was now a bothersome task and I was now out to be the biggest baddest bitch who ever touched Rustoleum.
Still getting a lot of flack from my graffiti peers for my poor penmanship, lack of style and just bad execution in general, I was determined to get out there and write my name all over the place. The more negative feedback I got, the more I turned it into determination to make them LOVE me. And basically, even if it looked bad, it was everywhere, and finally they could simply not deny that I had indeed become a writer. Even though, yeah, major improvements needed to be made.
Saster:Who were some of your mentors in terms of style, and in terms of protocol, history and knowing the ropes?
Claw Money: When I first moved to Manhattan in 1986, I quickly became infatuated with NYC nightlife. At one of these parties, I met one of the most influential people to my art, my career and my life in general. The man was Zephyr RTW, illustrious subway king, nightlife fixture and all around man about town. We became fast friends, and he would constantly expound about the graffiti glory days in the late seventies–and I became fascinated. Thru this friendship I was inducted into the secret social network of some of the city’s most illusive outlaw artists. Next thing I know, I am getting outlines from NYC’s finest (and I don’t mean the po-po). I would try to paint them but I sucked so had to stick to my own (bad) style.
I have so many mentors in my career that I am sure I will be forgetting someone on this incomplete list: Zephyr, Dondi, Revolt, Sharp, Dontay, Devo and MQ. I have learned something new from everyone I have ever painted with, whether it was something to do or not to.
Saster:In your opinion, what does it mean to be a “real writer”? What is the criterion one has to meet in order to earn the distinction of being a “real writer”?
Claw Money: A real writer is someone who lives the life. Painting, repping, beefing, eating and sleeping Graff. Obviously, they have to bomb illegally. And a lot. Pieces are cool, but are not imperative. I appreciate the “art” but if you don’t bomb you are a muralist who uses spray paint as your medium. Back in the day, your shit would get gone over for taking up valuable wall space.
Saster:As a female writer, you’re surrounded by a lot of dudes who live for beef and drama. Some of these dudes are real drama queens, and their soap operas play out on this very site. How do you navigate such a world and what are some of the negatives you’ve faced as a female writer?
Claw Money: Well, you have to remember that people feel real tuff behind their computer screens and don’t have the balls to say shit when they see you. Finger thugs!! I ignore the shit talking, because I know it comes from people who secretly LOVE me. And how could you not? I am totally lovable! And being a female means that you must have crew and friends that hold you down because I don’t want to mess my hair and nails up….ahahaha. I like having my boys back me up-makes beef feel very warm and snuggly. It takes an army to win the war, baby.
Saster:What are your thoughts on the state of graffiti today? And is it simply over in New York City?
Claw Money: Graffiti is in turmoil right now. A lot of people feel like this is a quick way to get their name out there. I never wrote graffiti to put my throw-up on a t-shirt. It just happened to evolve that way; I was doing it just to do it and it just happened that my two worlds merged and I am super lucky. The fact that this is a quick avenue for the next jump-off makes it soulless and brings down the value of the movement and its art. And yes, the toys are killing my eyes right now, but it is the toys that keep it alive. I just wish someone would get really good right now besides 0283, so I can get psyched when I see their stuff.
Saster 
o you still street bomb?
Claw Money: Not in New York ever and not unless I am wasted. I recently did a little bomb in the Old Country…But I am too old to paint-it’s not my turn anymore! No fun being old, getting caught and having the cops laugh at you for being a granny…not so cute.
Saster:When do you think is the time for a writer to put the paint down?
Claw Money: When they have other priorities, be it a job, a kid or life. It is hard walking on the tightrope. Very stressful, balancing stealing paint, getting up, beefing and the cops. Always looking behind you is exhausting.
Saster:What inspired you to get into the clothing/accessories game and what was the first piece you manufactured?
Claw Money: I put my first Claw on a tee shirt at the request of WEST FC right after 9/11. I was painting again with the young Miss 17 for a solid couple of years. WEST, with his fashion entrepreneur idealism, told me he would like to see it on a t-shirt. I thought, “So would I!” I did it as a goof, but the demand grew.
Saster:How much of an influence does graffiti have on your line?
Claw Money: I don’t consider my collection “graffiti clothing”; my logo is the “throw up” that I painted on walls illegally, but other than that it’s not meant to evoke graffiti associations. The “CLAW” has many different meanings and different interpretations and is not limited to anything. It is a symbol that reps Graff, NYC, women, pet lovers and more. But I have many talents, and like to explore them all. I don’t want to be defined by graffiti solely, nor fashion for that matter. Basically, I don’t fit in a box. Unless there are Clawzzzz printed on the outside of that box!
Saster:When did you realize that this first initial piece could turn into a serious business?
Claw Money: The stores couldn’t keep them in stock and I thought: “I could really make a go of this!” There’s just no other brand with a point of view like mine, and I began to realize that people were interested in the CLAW from many different walks of life.
Saster:What is your goal for the Claw Money brand? Is getting into Macy’s a bad thing?
Claw Money: Well now that Macy’s is closing 11 of their stores…getting with them might be a good thing! But my brand is too special to be accessible to the masses like that. I make limited product because I don’t want every douche bag and their brother to be rocking it. It is an “in the know” kind of brand.
Saster:Is your focus primarily women’s or are you looking to produce for the fellas, too?
Claw Money: I have always made stuff for guys! When I first started in 2002 there were no other brands like this for girls, so naturally I was just making it for us. All of a sudden, all my boys were like “where’s my shirt?” and then the stores started to ask for men’s product. My line is now about 60% women’s products and 40% men’s (and chubby chicks!). The CLAW appeals to both men and women, old and young. And I think I am the only woman who is designing streetwear stuff for men. My aesthetic is fun and boisterous, not syrupy sweet.
Saster:What about accessories? How important are accessories to the growth of your brand?
Claw Money: Making just graphics tees and sweatshirts is boring. I am a REAL designer, so I want to actually design. Fashion for the past few years hasn’t changed much, but accessories are a way to stay freshly dipped without having to really change your wardrobe. People have always associated me with accessories because I used to deal high-end luxury vintage stuff, with a keen eye for sunglasses and bags, so it was only natural that I would be drawn to making those types of items.
Saster:What was the landscape like when you introduced your clothing? Were there any brands or designers that inspired you?
Claw Money: When I started my line there was NO ONE doing anything cool for chicks. Now, the world is over-saturated with female brands. But they are not Claw Money! Still, I do think this is a good thing because it helps to solidify a market place for our category of clothing. I no longer have to stand alone in the store!
I do think there are some awesome brands out there that I admire. Jeremy Scott, Brian Litchenberg, Casette Playa, Darkhorse, Clae, Supreme, And Suns, Reason and Made Me are a few, again this list is incomplete. Depending on the season, my choices change.
Saster:What do you think is the current state of so called “street wear”?
Claw Money: It has been so over since 2007; it is going to wind up being the new “urban” if it can be marketed correctly. Streetwear was made up of cool guy brands–now there are just a few left from the first wave; the rest are carpool. But we don’t consider ourselves solely a streetwear brand. I make artist products–the style is the style I created and popularized. Now it is copied all over the world, but with much less flavor. So, yes streetwear is over, but Claw Money is not.
Saster:Business seems too slow for everybody right now. Do you think the street wear game will somehow correct itself as the economy bounces back?
Claw Money: It is going to be rough for the big and very small brands right now. The ones that have a loyal customer base will be okay because customer demand is high. We’re all going to feel the squeeze because disposable income is harder to come by, but I make a quality product that people want. I guess I better keep it up.
Saster:What can we expect from your 2010 collection?
Claw Money: Lots of fun stuff! Lots more accessories, including eyewear and jewelry. We are just staring to design spring 2010–but I really like to do different things. Today I might be making clothes and two years from now, I might start making furniture–or designing house wares. I consider my life a journey of artistic endeavors and I’m luckily to have a fan base that wants my products. So stay tuned!!!!!!! Lots of unusual and unexpected surprises in the not so distant future.
Saster:Any last words for the haters/lovers?
Claw Money: Don’t worry everybody: I love you too!
Tags > artistic > Artists > culture > Design > Fashion > gear art > graff > Graffiti > graffmuseum > hip hop > New York > News > NYC > sast > saster > spray paint > street > streets > streets are saying things > Stuff > style
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March 31st, 2009 at 4:40 am
[...] Keep Reading here [...]
March 31st, 2009 at 7:28 am
[...] The Streets Are Saying Things has recently posted an interview with the New York female fashion designer and graffiti artist, Claw. She started doing graffiti in the late 80’s and now has her own brand of clothing. Claw talks about her graffiti and fashion, check out the full interview here. [...]
July 1st, 2009 at 4:42 pm
i would love to get claw and miss 17 in my black book. grew up seeing there stuff everywhereeeeeeeeeeeee. and still rockin in NYC!!!!!!!!!! mad love and respect to u claw
August 29th, 2009 at 7:57 am
Claws shit is hott…………..good to see a real street bomber making a buck….not like a lot of other fake ass niggas trying to get paid off graff……claw keep doing ya thing…..
October 18th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
claw is official..0283 is weak!!
November 20th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
much respects to the graffiti queen claw. I always admired ya ups.
you sexy too. best regards be on to ya success. be blessed with ya fine self…. gonna cop some of that gear for my girl… peace.