The Breaks: Coco and Breezy (Interview)

Check out 25’s unsigned and undiscovered series, “The Breaks” featuring Coco and Breezy.

Words by India Banks |Photo courtesy of Hi-Def Photography

“Constantly on the grind” is clearly an understatement for identical twin designers Corianna and Brianna Dotson, better known as Coco and Breezy. The two natural born hustlers have worked their way from Minneapolis, Minnesota to the fashion capital of New York City at the age of 19, where they’ve resided since August. Recognized back home in Minneapolis for their eye-popping, neon colored patterns and bold style, they’ve both managed to piece together time as dancers and freelance models for Ignite Modeling Agency and Vision Model Management. And now with each other as their inspiration, Coco and Breezy have created an eccentric line of eyewear called “Gemela Amor.” Their clock seems to never stop ticking.

The idea for the trendy specs came about by mistake. One night, Coco and Breezy were experimenting with metal studs, one of their favorite accessory and they accidentally spilled them on a pair of shades. At this moment, the idea to create their own custom eyewear was born. Since April, the twins have been brainstorming and promoting their innovative creation and gaining exposure. Earlier this month the two were excited to see Ashanti donning a pair of their shades at the VH1 Hip Honors Award Show. These mysterious, dark, studded shades have become a signature part of the twins’ image which they use to mask their self-proclaimed coyness. Frequently designing new frames for their numerous orders, Coco and Breezy rarely get a chance to live like average teenagers. As newcomers in the big city, the two upcoming designers feel they have the drive to get over any hill no matter the height.

25: Tell me about where you guys grew up?

Breezy: We are Coco and Breezy, and we are from Minneapolis, Minnesota. We are now living in New York, and we’re 19. We are identical twins and we are very close like we haven’t been separated for more than 24 hours. Coco and Breezy are identical, but Corianna and Brianna are paternal. When we were 15 we did more dancing, then from 15 to 17, we focused more on modeling. Now we are focusing on just designing. It’s hard because we don’t get any sleep, but it works out because it’s two of us.

Coco: People know us for our style. We express our feelings through our style like people are intimidated by us, but we’re mad cool. We just have our own image.

25: Who/what are your main inspirations?

Breezy: When we first started designing, we would feed off each other and inspire each other. But now I would have to say Michael Jackson because of he was into all the studded jackets and metal.

Coco: He just had that look and Grace Jones too.

25: Did you ever think coming from Minnesota was a hindrance in your ability to succeed in the industry?

Breezy: No not really, because it’s great to start in a small state. We were locally famous. We were in all the local newspapers, and everyone knew us. You have to make it in your state before you go to bigger states. Being in Minnesota helped us proceed in the big states.

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Photo Courtesy of CocoandBreezy.com

25: With the industry being so competitive now, how do you see your designs for your eyewear different from those of other upcoming lines?

Breezy: Sunglasses are definitely getting big in this industry. I feel like ours is more different and artsy. It just comes natural, like we don’t have to think.

Coco: We just do what comes to mind. We believe that fashion is art.

25: What advice would you give to students who are pursuing the same goals as you?

Breezy: They have to go through hard work. We always have to be two steps ahead. Some people get to the top and become too comfy. Don’t wait or depend on somebody. You have to go hard and get what u want.

Coco: We don’t have a real management team because we did it all ourselves. Work hard now, play later. Everyday we grind!

The line “Gemela Amor” by Coco and Breezy can be viewed at cocoandbreezy.com