Today we’d like to introduce you to Calvin Rafah
Hi Calvin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Working with multiple Designers from the TV show “Project Runway” – Is what got my foot in the door in the fashion industry,collaborating with such talented individuals provided a wealth of inspiration and insight. Each designer from the show brings a unique experience that helped me gain experience in the industry.
Each Designer I work with brought a unique perspective and incredible creativity to the table, which really pushed me to think outside the box. It was inspiring to collaborate with such talented individuals and learn from their diverse experiences in fashion.
It was through these connections and the knowledge I gained that I was able to really establish myself in the industry. It was a pivotal moment that led to numerous other collaborations and projects, each
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One big struggle for me is intense competition—there are so many designers, brands, and creatives trying to stand out. Another issue is the pressure to keep up with fast-changing trends, which can be exhausting. Financial instability is also common, especially for emerging designers or small brands. Plus, sustainability concerns and ethical labor practices add extra challenges, as the industry tries to balance profit with responsibility in my opinion.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a fashion designer, i saw an opportunity to blend the rugged appeal of denim with the soft luxury of cashmere. It started with a vision—creating jeans that weren’t just durable but also indulgent to the touch, and sweaters that had the effortless cool of denim but with unmatched comfort.
I experimented with fabrics, testing different weaves and weights to strike the perfect balance. The challenge was making denim softer without losing its signature structure, and ensuring cashmere maintained its elegance while working seamlessly with jeans. After rounds of prototyping, you found the perfect harmony—denim that moved with the body like a second skin and cashmere sweaters that carried the relaxed attitude of denim.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
A great fashion designer needs creativity to push boundaries, an eye for detail to perfect every stitch, and a strong sense of style to create pieces that resonate. Technical skills, like pattern-making and fabric knowledge, are key, but so is adaptability—fashion is always evolving. Business sense helps too, especially if you’re building your own brand. Passion, persistence, and a deep understanding of what people want to wear make all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calvinfashion3?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@calvinfashon?si=cP5j3BmSZvDkhgwz
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@calvinfashion5?_t=ZP-8trYpIn8dkF&_r=1
