Derek Luke

Actor DEREK LUKE debuted his t-shirt line entitled “Heartist” as host of the annual, televised fashion special on BET’s “Rip the Runway.” The show was broadcast last night, March 2nd at 9:00PM EST. Luke emceed the popular event at The Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City with his former “Antwone Fisher” co-star, actress Joy Bryant.

“Heartist” is the first clothing brand launched by Derek Luke. The black, cotton t-shirt features Luke’s interpretation of the Grecian drama masks (universally known to represent comedy and tragedy) embellished with costume crystals of different colors, including silver and red.

Luke’s inspiration for “Heartist,” which combines the two words “Heart” and “Artist,” creatively expresses Luke's mantra for life: if you allow your heart to be your guide, you will discover your path for success. Throughout his life, Luke witnessed and experienced firsthand the significance of personal "style" in molding first impressions. He realized that “presentation” is a means of sharing one’s personal story. Heartist represents the spirit of those undiscovered, aspiring faces all over the world.

Luke states simply, "I don't judge my heart, I just express it."

Derek Luke’s “Heartist” t-shirts are sold exclusively through www.derekluke.com. Purchase and shipping details are listed on the website.

Luke made his feature film debut in the critically acclaimed film “Antwone Fisher,” starring opposite actor/director Denzel Washington. He asserted his talent as an actor with his roles in “Biker Boyz,” “Pieces of April,” “Glory Road,” and “Friday Night Lights.” Most recently, Luke starred as the leading man in Spike Lee’s WWII drama, “Miracle at St. Anna” and as Sean Puffy Combs in “Notorious.” His film, “Madea Goes to Jail” has maintained the #1 spot in the boxoffice two weeks in a row. Luke landed top billing in the Peter Berg/NBC dramatic pilot, “Trauma.”

-www.derekluke.com