An Interview With Candice Georgiadice
Stay true to yourself. My ideas come from my heart and are influenced by my experiences. When you stay true to yourself and roots, it’s easier to create unique pieces that others will love, too.
Many in the fashion industry have been making huge pivots in their business models. Many have turned away from the fast fashion trend. Many have been focusing on fashion that also makes a social impact. Many have turned to sustainable and ethical sourcing. Many have turned to hi tech manufacturing. Many have turned to subscription models. What are the other trends that we will see in the fashion industry? What does it take to lead a successful fashion brand today?
It’s always great to have an impact, great work ethic, and be you.
In our series called,“5 Things You Need To Lead a Successful Fashion Brand Today” we are talking to successful leaders of fashion brands who can talk about the Future of Fashion and the 5 things it takes to lead a successful fashion brand in our “new normal.”
As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Romeo Hunte.
Raised in Brooklyn, New York, Romeo Hunte grew up surrounded by women whose creative approach to fashion inspired him from an early age. Hunte attended the Fashion Institute of Technology after turning down two full athletic scholarships in Track and Field. Hunte launched his namesake brand Romeo Hunte New York while also working full time as a personal shopper in luxury retail and in editorial styling. Through his experience working in the industry, Hunte strikes the perfect balance between creativity and practicality, which plays a primary role in each collection he designs.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood “backstory”?
I grew up in Brooklyn, New York and was inspired by the creative women that surrounded me. Being from Brooklyn, hip hop has always been a major inspiration for me too. So, when attending public school I managed to somehow turn my uniform into a streetwear-preppy hybrid. I’ve always loved mixing traditional formal wear with streetwear, it comes natural to me. To me streetwear can be anything from cargo pants to suits, and my sweet spot is a mixture of both. This can be seen in my designs.
Can you tell us the story about what led you to this particular career path?
I’ve always had an interest in fashion. My journey started early on in school when I’d play around with different styles.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
I think that the most interesting stories in my career involve meeting people I admire. The two that come to mind are Tommy Hilfiger and Diddy. Both of these men inspired me. Both are go-getters. Diddy specifically has done so much for the Black community culturally and professionally. He’s opened doors for people who look like me and his representation means a lot. From Sean Jean, Bad Boy Records, to CÎROC — Diddy has impacted the culture from all angles.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Being ambitious, pushing the status quo, and staying true to yourself. These are all things I’ve had to do throughout my life. Starting out in this industry I felt unwelcomed in some of the rooms I was in. I had to get over that and realize that I belonged in every room I entered. My presence, along with others in my community, is the presence and representation needed to help push the future of fashion forward.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
The versatility of the brand is what makes us stand out. Not only are we based in the greatest city in the world, which gives us flare and an eclectic edge, but we consider the brand to be versatile. Our pieces can be found on A-list celebrities like Zendaya and Beyonce but, we like to have fun and launch collabs like this one. CÎROC Vodka Spritz tapped me to create a limited-time, exclusive collection available in Cocktail Courier kits, and it was fun to design something inspired by Brooklyn and the beautiful design of the can for people to enjoy this summer.
Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story of how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Stay far from timid, Only make moves when your heart’s in it, And live the phrase, ‘Sky’s The Limit’” — The Notorious B.I.G. — Being a Brooklyn Native, Biggie was the soundtrack of my youth. This song really taught me to go after what I wanted and find my own personal freedom.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Do you see any fascinating developments emerging over the next few years in the fashion industry that you are excited about? Can you tell us about that?
Definitely! You now see more BIPOC people holding high positions in the fashion industry and creating more jobs for people in their communities. It’s exciting to see and be a part of.
Can you share how your brand is helping to bring goodness to the world?
Through this collab, we’re encouraging people to enjoy their summer in style #LikeOnlyCirocCan. My limited-edition collection features a Canary Yellow Bucket Hat, a Silk Bandana, and a Nylon Tote Bag, mimicking my own classic collection that marries luxury with modern just like CÎROC Vodka Spritz ready-to-drink cocktails.
Can you share with our readers about the ethical standards you use when you choose where to source materials?
I try to source here in New York as much as possible. I’m a young designer so I’m always looking to evolve and see how I can improve and make changes for the better.
Fast fashion has an advantage, that it is affordable for most people, but it also has the drawback that it does not last very long and is therefore not very sustainable. What are your thoughts about this? How does your company address this question?
I think the way people consume needs to change. We should not be spending money constantly on clothes we know will not last us till next year. With my brand, I hope to bring people timeless pieces that will last them for years to come.
Thank you for all that. Here is the main question of our interview. What are your “5 Things You Need To Lead a Successful Fashion Brand”. Please share a story or example for each.
- Staying ahead of ever evolving trends. With my partnership with CÎROC Vodka Spritz, we merged two worlds that you might not particularly see mesh. However, taking the inspiration of how CÎROC is innovating the spirits world with the ready-to-drink cocktail and how my brand is evolving fashion, it was easy for me to collaborate with CÎROC and create a collection that is fashion-forward, trendy, and true to both brands.
- Staying ahead of ever evolving trends. With my partnership with CÎROC Vodka Spritz, we merged two worlds that you might not particularly see mesh. However, taking the inspiration of how CÎROC is innovating the spirits world with the ready-to-drink cocktail and how my brand is evolving fashion, it was easy for me to collaborate with CÎROC and create a collection that is fashion-forward, trendy, and true to both luxury brands.
- Stay true to yourself. My ideas come from my heart and are influenced by my experiences. When you stay true to yourself and roots, it’s easier to create unique pieces that others will love, too.
- Never comparing yourself. Our differences are what set us apart from each other and how new trends are birthed.
- Stay connected. I love getting the chance to meet and connect with different people. You learn so much from others and you never know who could potentially change your life.
- Build a strong team. To have a successful fashion brand, you must have people on your team that you believe in and that believe in you.
Every industry constantly evolves and seeks improvement. How do you think the fashion industry can improve itself? Can you give an example?
The fashion industry can improve itself by continuing to open doors for others that usually get left out. Everyone’s presence is needed in order to see a better future.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
Not to sound cliché, but my movement would be to spread love and acceptance. I love working with others from all walks of life and have learned so much about myself and others in turn.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
They can follow my brand on Instagram at @RomeHunte and myself at @Mr.Rh
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
Modern Fashion: Romeo Hunte On The 5 Things You Need To Lead a Successful Fashion Brand Today was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.