StrutLA strutted down the runway last Thursday to a packed crowd of Grambling students held in the Men’s Gymnasium on Grambling campus. The clothed models showed off wear from the Ro Collecton designed by Romello Truitt.
The clothing exhibited in the show was everything from casual jeans and T-shirts sporting the RO Collection logo to a wild cheetah print bikini. With a few great performers from local groups, there were nothing but compliments coming from the audience.
Alexis Johnson, 20 said “The fashion show was the Bomb dot com. The models where amazing especially the males and shout out to the designer I loved the clothes.”
Paytin Robilland Nursing major, said “I enjoyed the fashion show. I was too turned up. The clothes were amazing.” After the show I was able to interview the designer Romello and ask him a couple of questions. Here is what he had to say.
How long have you worked as a designer?
Since 2005 but I would say officially since 2009 when I moved to Los Angeles.
When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?
I was always into fashion. When I started to design more than T-shirts for my line after high school, I realized that I had talent in fashion designing.
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion to me is entertainment. Basically, If you wear something and no one remembers what you wore, then you should remember NOT to ever wear that again.
What do you like best about designing clothes?
The challenge of being creative and different is what I like best.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration is my personal style. I also am inspired by EVERYTHING around myself, so I try to surround myself with positive things. I’m also inspired by the things I can’t avoid: life, death, girls, etc, (laughs).
What matters to you most as a fashion designer?
Making must-have pieces. The clothes should somewhat sell themselves.
Do you prefer sketching designs or actually constructing them?
I construct them. I don’t even think I own a pencil.
How do you select your models?
It all depends. We do fashion shows, trunk shows, tradeshows, and photo shoots for so many products. It all just depends on the event. That’s all I have to say.
Who are some of your favorite designers?
I don’t have a favorite. I have a few in mind that I like things about. Ralph Lauren is definitely one because of his consistency and his reflection of America in his designs. Marc Jacobs is very creative. Tom Ford designs have a clean, simple look that makes a statement. Taron Wade is also one of my favorites. He is a designer for Ro Collection located in Hollywood, Calif.
What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers?
Find your niche. Be the master of something. Many designer look at other designers and feel like that’s what they should be doing. Just because it works for them doesn’t mean it will work for you. My business advice is to be lucrative. In other words, make money. This is only way you can keep the designs coming.
Follow Romello on twitter @RomelloSmello for more advice.