We know what Daymond John is doing for Halloween; because the holiday falls on a Wednesday, many revelers will want to celebrate Saturday night.
The fashion entrepreneur and Shark Tank star is emcee for the Diamond Ball: A Frosted Masquerade Affair, benefiting the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation.
“I’ve seen a lot of James Bond flicks where they wear the nice tuxedo and the shiny mask. I’ll put a lot of frost on it,’’ says John. “I’m excited to be down in Miami on the weekend when everyone goes out.”
The New Yorker lived for a time in the 1990s in Miami Beach at The Portofino, and he wouldn’t mind setting down stakes permanently.
“I fell in the love with the city. I’ve seen it grow so much; fortunately, enough of my friends and people I work with are down there so I can visit. I like the clubs just as much as the beach. Day or night. I don’t care if it’s raining. I don’t care what’s happening. You can work, play, relax, everything.”
But NYC is where his clothing label FUBU is headquartered. “New York is where I have to be to make my money, and Miami is where I spend it,” he says, only half joking.
Over the 20-year history of the company, John has watched men’s fashions change a lot, more so since the economy took a nosedive.
“What you buy these days has to be an investment. I’m not seeing a lot of the lavish things anymore. No one’s buying retail unless they’re super high end. For the most part, people are very conscious. They’re wearing things a couple more times and having to be more creative with it.”
On ABC’s Shark Tank, John is one of the investors on the reality show featuring entrepreneurs trying to bring their ideas to life.
“It’s exciting to have the opportunity to change lives,’’ he says.
Now in its fourth season, Shark is gaining even more viewers. Again, it’s the e-word: economy.
“Starting your own business is the American dream,’’ says John. “I think people four of five years ago realized, ‘You know what? Sitting in that office giving my life for 20 years and my retirement money being taken away from me, maybe I need to be control of my destiny.’ ”
John has a prediction: “Small businesses are the only thing that can save this country. That’s it.”
Madeleine Marr
For tickets to the 7:30 p.m. benefit at the JW Marriott Marquis, go to www.mchf.org/diamondball




















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