TV: What’s the identify of your model?
RJ: Proper now it is nonetheless a piece in progress, however the model is known as Damaged Patterns.
TV: When do you intend to formally introduce Damaged Patterns to the world?
RJ: My objective is to launch it earlier than the top of this 12 months. Ideally, I might like to launch it on my birthday, September 4, as a method to have a good time turning 20. It appears like the right second to lastly begin my very own model and put every part I have been engaged on out into the world.
TV: A Virgo! That is really an ideal timeline as a result of it is proper round Trend Week. Hopefully every part aligns, as a result of I do know there are at all times challenges and hurdles while you’re constructing one thing new. I understand Damaged Patterns continues to be in growth, however I am curious about how you’d describe the model and what you need it to turn out to be.
RJ: Greater than something, I would like it to encourage different creatives to chase their desires. I feel there are such a lot of obstacles for individuals who select a artistic path as an alternative of a extra conventional one. Lots of people really feel strain from their households, their backgrounds, or society to pursue safer choices. Being artistic is commonly the riskier path. I would like my model to encourage individuals who need to create to truly go for it. That is actually the inspiration of what Damaged Patterns is about.
TV: There’s positively a continuing push and pull between doing work that funds your life and doing work that builds your artistic imaginative and prescient. I feel lots of people can relate to that. Who would you say you are designing for?
RJ: I am designing for individuals who really feel caught. Possibly they’re working a job they do not love. Possibly they know they need one thing extra however they’re afraid to pursue it. I am designing for individuals who aren’t absolutely happy with the place they’re and who need extra out of life. These are the folks I join with essentially the most.
TV: Do you could have a dream collaboration?
RJ: I feel it must be Nike.
TV: That will be unimaginable. I used to be simply in Paris and visited the Mowalola x Jordan pop-up. It was wonderful.
RJ: I noticed that too. It regarded insane.
TV: I do know! I would like these footwear.
RJ: Identical. Particularly the mules. I am obsessed.
TV: What are some belongings you’ve realized—and possibly unlearned—since getting into the style trade?
RJ: One factor I realized is how vital execution actually is. Earlier than trend faculty, I feel I used to be slightly naïve about how the trade works. You may have unimaginable concepts, however on the finish of the day, execution is what issues. An thought solely has a lot worth if you happen to do not really carry it to life.
TV: What about belongings you’ve unlearned?
RJ: I feel I’ve stopped believing that one alternative goes to utterly change my life. Once I was youthful, I’d take a look at sure alternatives and suppose, That is it! That is the factor that is going to vary every part. Now I understand that constructing a profession is normally the results of many alternatives stacking on high of each other. It is not often one magical second.
