The Whitaker Group Announces Special “Free Game” Series with the Black Community Business Advisory
James Whitner Top 10
Owner of Social Status, A Ma Maniere, and A.P.B.
Profile
Description
James Whitner is an American fashion entrepreneur and the owner of streetwear boutiques Social Status, A Ma Maniere, and A.P.B. A native of Pittsburgh, Whitner grew up in an impoverished area of the city, with both his parents battling addiction and many of his friends dying before adulthood. Between 1997 and 2001, Whitner attended the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
In 2004, Whitner was involved in an incident where he was shot, spurring his decision to move away to Charlotte, North Carolina to pursue his dream of opening a streetwear store. The first retail space he opened was Flava Factory in 2005, that had two locations in Charlotte which were both closed when Whitner decided to reinvest in Social Status. Opened in 2011, Social Status originally began as a denim brand, before Whitner expanded the company into a select clothing and sneaker store.
Alongside its in-house label, Social Status also carries brands such as COMMES des GARCONS, Billionaire Boys Club, Nike Sportswear, Play Cloths, and The Hundreds, and currently has five branches in Pittsburgh and North Carolina. Owing to the success of Social Status, Whitner was also able to open A Ma Maniere and A.P.B.
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Latest Collections
The six-part series will feature senior Black executives from companies like Nike and Bank of America.
HYPEBEAST spoke to Whitaker Group president James Whitner about the androgynous design’s inspiration, the importance of community to AMM and more.
Continuing the Whitaker Group’s penchant for elevated, luxurious designs.
If you’re not in the A Ma Maniére inner circle, you have a chance at securing a pair by proving that you — and your friends — are registered to vote.
The entrepreneur talks to us about his expansion and how he plans to bring knowledge and prosperity to these Black communities.
The entrepreneur talks about how his past has prepared him for the current crisis and how he’s felt a surge of inspiration.
The Whitaker Group founder will take questions from fans while tackling corporate diversity.
Founder James Whitner will be investing into promising entrepreneurs.
Don C, Aleali May, Salehe Bembury, Steven Harrington, Patta’s Edson Sabajo & Gillaume Schmidt and more share their personal Air Max stories.
In both high and low iterations.
Serving up luxury streetwear, elevated American fare, and good vibes.
Founder of shops A Ma Maniere, Social Status and more talks about his rough upbringing, accomplished career, and the current state of culture.
