I’ve posted random stories about being involved with Fashion House under
@essence but now that an actual article about my collection is on their website (can someone please pinch me?) I can fully form what I felt. The entire lead up to, and even the day of, the show I had MAJOR imposter syndrome. Y’all know I’m incredibly hard on myself and that became clear as I kept negatively self-talking “Andre why did they invite you to do this?” I will forever be my hardest critic, and I’ve never been more mentally abusing to myself than I was sewing for Fashion House. That quickly got squashed when after my show, MANY people praised me for being a designer inspired by real issues. Hearing that people see something different in me because I will ALWAYS choose to design based on making things better for US vastly helps me to accept that I need to keep going. That there are human beings out there who want to make powerful statements in what they wear while they also work on trying to change their hoods, cities, and the world for the better. That’s the kind of person I want to dress and it’s been honestly hard trying not to compare my brand on those terms to others brands that don’t have that same intent. But this show helped me realized I’m not trying to dress them - they have their brands…my thoughtful, considerate, thought-provoking consumer I have in mind has my brand. I’m still not sure how Essence found me, and at first I questioned why they chose me. This show, and the reaction to it, helped me realize - I was chosen for a reason. I’ll keep doing what I’m doing to give a voice to anyone who needs it. So to
@essence I say thank you for giving me the strength to fully believe in myself. And for those who follow my brand, as I always say…stay tuned.
