Brooklyn, New York has emerged into one of the most cultured boroughs birthing individuality and fashion into those who live in the creative space. Brooklyn born, Curtis "Fresh" Franklin is not exception. August 27, 2006, is more than just Franklin's birthday, it was also the birth of his innovative, hip fashion line, "Fashion Hurtz." "Fashion Hurtz is like watching your favorite comedian, where everything he/she says is funny. Everything we do is hot and we're not afraid to try anything," Franklin assures. I recently caught up with the busy graphic designer, and believe, there's more than catch lines on T-Shirts. There's patience, creativity and passion. Oh, and, there's wit, Curtis promises 100% entertainment with every design.

What was the inspiration behind the Fashion Hurtz?

I'm a graphic designer by trade and was born and raised in the greatest borough in NYC. BROOKLYN! My partner is from Suffolk, Virginia. It's about everyday life, Hip Hop, women, and sports.The tag line is "Just Living The Dream." We're random kind of guys and that's how the designs are, you never know what to expect.

What's the ultimate vision for the line?

In anything you do, today, you have to evolve or you will be left behind. We want to evolve into a full fledged fashion line, where we will actually cut and sew the clothing as opposed to just creating and designing on pre-made clothing.

What gives you the creative push to design?

Sometimes I'll be walking in the streets, see something, get an idea and write it down. By the time I get home, I'm working on the design. Music and television also inspire.

Are you intimidated because there are so many other start up lines in this field?

There's no intimidation, but it does make it harder for us. I know there is a lane for us in the industry, because what makes us stand out is our creativity and skill factor. We're not following trends, we're creating our own. We're expressing ourselves through this medium and if you feel it, cool, if not "Screw you, never knew you!"

Describe an average day for you?

Sometimes crazy and hectic, and sometimes boring. It depends on what side of the moon we're on. On hectic days, I'm doing anything from designing to buying blank tees, dropping-off and/or picking up tees to and from the printer, packaging the tees which is a process by itself, running to the post office to mail out products and buying supplies. Designing happens so randomly, I can't describe it. It's all crazy, but I enjoy it and I'm learning a lot.

If you could pick the new face of Fashion Hurtz, out of Matthew Knowles, Britney Spears and Kelly Osbourne, who would you go with?

Mr. Knowles is too old, Britney is crazy, and Kelly Osbourne is just not a good look. I'd definitely go with Mike Epps or Dave Chappelle, they're hilarious.

What are some of your "It" things right now?

Jay-Z's, "American Gangster", Optimum's Oil Hair Therapy, my 80GB Ipod (tons of movies and albums), and my black and brown Nike Dunks Hi (with suede, killer!), and a Fashion Hurtz tee.

What advice would you give to other aspiring designers?

Research everything, Stick to your guns on every decision and don't sell out for the quick dollar.

For more information on Fashion Hurtz you can visit http://www.fashionhurtz.com and http://www.myspace.com/fashionhurtz