Page 15 - Winter 2018-2019

“I personally have never been one to dive into the fashion hype. I mean I literally used to grab whatever off the racks, throw it on and call it an outfit.”
RASHAD CALHOUN
HMM. Was it hard breaking into the business? Who are some of the celebrities you have styled? Explain that experience.
RC. Personally, I would not say it was hard, or would I say it was easy, but it definitely required ALOT of sleepless nights, hard work and dedication. After being featured at New York Fashion Week, I received a call from Richard Pryor’s daughter asking me to make her a dress for a red carpet event “Whoopie Goldberg at the Apollo.” From that moment on, my career took off. A few bumps in the road, but as they like to say “what does not kill you, will make you stronger!” I think during this journey, my ups and downs have strengthened me.
HMM. How do you maintain your integrity in an otherwise very competitive and sometimes unscrupulous industry, as the fashion industry can be very cut throat?
RC. I pretty much remain the same. I don’t entertain any negativity. I have no problem helping fellow fashion designers out. There is room for all of us, we all can win!
HMM. When designing, what do you enjoy more?
RC. Definitely, prom gowns and designing lines for fashion week. Fashion week lets me design and shows my personality.
HMM. How difficult is it to maintain a work-life balance? Splitting time between you and your family?
RC. It or tand be happy if they supersis actually not that difficult. My wife supports my career. We take turns raising our two beautiful children.
HMM. Would you consider yourself a driven person? You are considered a “Powerhouse of Fashion.” What makes you a powerhouse? What is the source of your strength?
RC. My creativity drives me and that is also the source of my strength. Give me a theme and I will run with it! One can say I am a trendsetter by nature.
DAVIDA COLONA
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