by Minister of Information JR
Over the years Engla Murphy’s PSundays Fashion House has been one of the most talked about local fashion houses in the Bay Area. Now this independent entrepreneur has opened up a store in Bay Fair Mall, which is one of the main clothes shopping hubs for people living in East Oakland, San Leandro, San Lorenzo and Castro Valley. I wanted to sit down with this young Bay Area woman who is chasing her dreams and succeeding to talk a little bit about her story.
M.O.I. JR: Can you tell us a little about your fashion house, PSundays?
Engla Murphy: I design at my home. I used to have a space in Berkeley, but it’s a lot easier at home – a bit messy too but it’s safe and relaxing, and my ideas of what I want to design come easier.
M.O.I. JR: Can you tell us about your new store? Where is it located? What does it carry?
Engla Murphy: PSunday’s is now located at 15555 E. 14th St. in San Leandro, inside of Bay Fair Mall in the Market Village near the food court, two doors from Foot Locker. My store is a small boutique, fit for the urban casual and couture crowd, which includes some of my designs as well as some items I’ve ordered. I like to travel, so I bring in items from other countries or states, like Hawaii. But my store is fun and unique.
M.O.I. JR: Do you think every fashion house needs a store? Why do you have one after doing fashion design over many years without having one?
Engla Murphy: Every designer doesn’t need a store. There are things like trunk shows, where you could show your pieces at a special location for the day and get orders, make and sell your product right there on the spot or you can have a fashion show and invite buyers to buy orders to place in their store.
I took three years off from everything in fashion when my mom passed away, because I wanted to be rich for her, so she would never have to worry about anything. When she passed, I felt no purpose because I had no desire to be rich. I just wanted to live simple and deal with her passing – we were very close – but I told God that I would go hard this year with my designs and do it for the women who don’t think they’re beautiful, like my mom – even though she was. She just didn’t see it. I want my clothes and ads to make everyone feel beautiful.
M.O.I. JR: How would you describe the kinds of clothes that PSundays makes?
Engla Murphy: I design men’s wear, like silk button-ups, but what is coming in the winter is going to be hot, and I think it’ll take me to where people will respect PSunday’s. And my women’s wear is unique because I like to mix fabrics like silk with fur – faux fur – and I like to design with the back out of a lot of couture dresses with full sleeves.
M.O.I. JR: What inspires you to be a fashion designer?
Engla Murphy: My cockiness of thinking “I could do better than the next” is what pushes me. But really, I think each designer has a unique taste, but mine is special because it’s mine. I grew up watching warrior movies like “Conan the Barbarian” and “Clash of the Titans” etc. So some of my pieces are based on those films – not the ‘80s but the warrior and renaissance times – a lot of basic colors for winter: black, white and blue, but really with no restrictions.
M.O.I. JR: How can people stay up with you?
Engla Murphy: So come stop by and see my new store, and if you bring in this article, you’ll receive a $5 discount on clothes, which, by the way, most of my prices are under $40. Southpole men’s jeans, which are regularly $70 – my price is $29.99.
Email POCC Minister of Information JR, Bay View associate editor, at blockreportradio@gmail.com and visit www.blockreportradio.com.
