About |Reginald
Not many people identify and match their passion and purpose early in life. Especially not at 18 years old.
Reginald Weekes IV isn’t most people.
Bronx-born and suburban Atlanta-raised, in 1992, as a freshman at his parents’ alma mater Hampton University, he discovered his creativity after producing dramatic fashion shows that raised the bar for quality of campus productions to follow.
Post-Hampton, Weekes ventured back to New York City, gaining acceptance to the elite Lavatory Institute of Merchandising. A funny thing happened on the way to his first class.
He never made it.
Instead, after only three days in Gotham, Weekes scored an enviable senior-level position at the global fashion brand Diesel USA overseeing a SoHo boutique selling the streetwear brand’s limited-edition, Black Label Diesel designs. The retail outpost also provided styling services for upper echelon customers and celebrities. Weekes IV private clientele included Oscar-nominated superstar Terrance Howard.
While on holiday in Atlanta, Weekes IV's father, an international restaurant consultant currently residing in Thailand, enlisted his son’s assistance in managing the kitchen of the famed chef Gunther Seeger.
His holiday extended into five years.
During this fruitful period, Weekes IV worked with such notable establishments as James Beard Winner Bacchanalia and Bella Cucina (twice Oprah’s Favorite Things selection). Knowledgeable of all things behind a bar, Weekes served as the mixologist and lifestyle consultant under supernova chef Scott Serpas, garnering local and national acclaim. That acclaim led to Weekes further lending his business acumen to the opening of two luxury cigar lounges in Atlanta, GA.
The Bronx boy returned once again to the city to pursue his childhood dream of film directing. After graduating from the globally lauded NYU Graduate Film Program, he stepped into a temporary gig creating digital content for Bad Boy Records and quickly became CEO Sean “Puffy” Combs’ designated Digital Content Director for the label and the collection of brands under the Sean Combs Enterprises umbrella. He went on to work at ESPN Networks; directed and produced an independent feature film; and, under Diageo, he creative directed national campaigns for Cîroc and Smirnoff. His uncommonly high taste level also extends into home décor as well. He remodels luxury homes from coast to coast, one of which he sold to Pop/R&B icon Usher.
Weekes’ sophistication and lust for life were not a matter of chance.
His Great-great grandfather Reginald Weekes was a legendary bootlegger in Atlantic City; a friend to the notorious Enoch Lewis "Nucky" Johnson (of the Boardwalk Empire infamy); and, a co-owner of the local minor league baseball team the Bacharach Giants.
Reginald Weekes II and his brother Ollie ran the family named tavern that hosted jazz legends from Ella Fitzgerald to Duke Ellington. Reginald III was asked by golf champion Tiger Woods to prepare a special dinner in celebration of one of his tournament wins. Adding, even more, lifestyle luster to the Weekes' Family dynasty, Weekes IV’s great-great uncle was one of the founders of Mount Gay Rum in Barbados and owned the plantation where it all began.
Following in the grand legacy of the accomplished men in his family, Weekes IV has introduced his original lifestyle brand Father of the World, the sartorial source for the modern gentleman. A haberdashery of leather goods, fine accessories , home decor, bar ware, vintage uniquities, books, cigar accoutrements, and cool gadgets, it’s a general store of curated luxury.
by:
ISOUL H. HARRIS
Principal
HARRIS C R E A T I V E GROUP