By Tatiana Allen

Howard University News Service

Blake Van Putten, the CEO and founder of CISE, a  clothing and accessories brand based in Los Angeles, was featured on the Forbes 30 under 30 List in the Retail and Ecommerce section, solidifying his spot as one of 600 bright young entrepreneurs, leaders and stars. 

A proud Howard University alumnus, Van Putten graduated in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management. He traces his entrepreneurial journey, back to his time at Howard. 

Van Putten quickly took notice of the importance and emphasis fashion had on the student body. He recognized that how people presented themselves was the first thing that others noticed. The then-business major took advantage of the environment by observing the different styles and designing clothing for fraternities and sororities on campus.                                  

In 2010, Van Putten took his first step into the world of entrepreneurship with the start of his first clothing brand, “Corrupt Originality,” which became a stepping stone in his ongoing mission to establish a platform of self-expression. 

While a student at Howard, to connect with the campus community, he strategically distributed brand stickers to network and understand his target audience. 

Originally a marketing major, Van Putten switched to supply management because he saw how it could be applied to his intended career in the fashion industry. The School of Business equipped him with essential skills, such as international sourcing, logistics, production order timeliness, the importance of negotiation, and quality assurance. 

While acknowledging that one’s degree may not directly correlate with their chosen profession, Van Putten emphasized its role as a foundational tool to reach broader goals. 

“If you’re able to intertwine both of them and strategically think, then that’s what helps you get to the next phase of where you are,” he said. 

Corrupt Originality was a building block towards achieving Van Putten’s goal of creating a brand with meaningful social impact. 

In response to the significant events of 2020, particularly the death of George Floyd and the ensuing nationwide protests, Van Putten launched the “Protect Black People” brand, with public figures like actors Marsai Martin and Ashely Blaine wearing his clothes. He believed people had a growing need for something that would build and uplift the community at the time.

However, the brand faced a setback when Meta Platforms Inc. banned advertisements on platforms like Facebook and Instagram for the clothing business, deeming it a political statement ahead of the 2020 election.  Undeterred, Van Putten transformed the brand, changing its name to CISE, derived from the D.C. Slang “sice” meaning to exaggerate and overhype something. 

“So we’ve coined CISE on that side for it to be something that is a bold statement written in all caps to make sure people are aware that we are focused and here to stay,” he explained

CISE’s “Protect Black People” collection gained traction with celebrities like Lizzo showcasing the brand’s handbags. Van Putten attributes this success to conversations he had with his family and friends, extracting insights into what people desired in a handbag, but also one made for convenient use.  

CISE’s collaboration with HU Elite Models and LA Tech exemplifies its commitment to social impact. Van Putten and his team actively involve themselves with college students, recognizing their potential regardless of experience. 

Driven by the experience and the support he received from his part in the leadership organization, Jack and Jill, and in his past position at Moody’s Investment Services, CISE’s impact extends beyond fashion, creating safe spaces for diversity and inclusion. 

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Putton recommends thorough research as the best course of action when developing business plans. He advocates for documenting  and discussing these plans with trusted colleagues and friends to clarify intentions. Leveraging university resources, such as those at Howard, can also be instrumental in exploring passions and interests. 

As CISE concluded its fourth season in New York Fashion Week 2023, Van Putten has ambitious plans for the brand, aiming for its presence in esteemed retail stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus. With a trajectory marked by resilience, social impact and a commitment to authenticity, CISE continues to carve its space in the competitive fashion world.

Tatiana Allen is a reporter for HUNewsService.com.