We were lucky to catch up with Rashad James recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rashad, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

I wanted to be as strategic as possible and looked at releasing projects as if I was an artist releasing an album with a roll out. I use my Instagram as a mood board so on my story I’d post interviews, music videos, album covers etc of artist from the 90’s/early 2000’s era. So, when doing Fashion Styling projects it could all tie together – I first would look at photographers that fit my aesthetic, look at models that either had a following or wanted to build a modeling pro-folio. I would find clothes that I knew would get highlighted by the owner so when I released it was as many eyes on the project as possible and intertwining that I’m very influenced by female rappers notably Foxy Brown. I always used Foxy as a muse, so I wanted to highlight Dark skin women in most of my projects. While on set, I would only play Foxy Brown to let the girls and the photographer hear Foxy rap about Christian Dior, Prada, and Chloe while demanding her respect and showcasing her skin and almost… daring someone to object her declaration. I also wanted to highlight Foxy Brown because she’s someone who deserves her flowers and I wanted people to hear and see her influence not just on music but also fashion. So, it was very personal and important for me to showcase Foxy as an icon and let Foxy transcend into the girls I’d work with and watch them get empowered her lyrics. I think that logic helped me succeed because it was very organic and I was able to build a tribe within the creative scene – I listen to Foxy like every day, but also coming from the realms of Misa Hylton who was my mentor it all made sense.

Rashad, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

So, I got my start by being mentored Image Architect Misa Hylton when I was freshly 21 at her school the Misa Hylton Fashion Academy. I remember being very serious and almost looking at everything as a competition and not wanting to make friends which I eventually calmed down with. I did my final photoshoot with the school in 2020, and that’s where everything started. I did my own projects after that paying homage to Foxy Brown, while also reaching out to Fashion Stylist who I wanted to intern/assist for. I assisted my best friend Shenelle Daly on projects, I reached out to Ololade Aiyeku better known as Legendary Lade about 2/3 times through email then in 2023, he reached out to me to assist him for his sneaker column “Rate Em” on Revolt TV. After that, I assisted Lade for more projects such as the 2023 Cover of Galore Magazine with artist Jozzy, King Combs music video for “Flyest in the City” featuring A Boogie, Jeremih, and Fabolous, the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet for Jozzy while also doing NYFW for Jozzy at the same time.

Doing all of this, I think what sets me apart is my authenticity, ambition and my ability to be a student. I don’t compare myself, and I believe in walking in rooms as if you belong there with confidence but also being a student and being able to listen, take direction, and execute which I learned through Misa and Lade. I’m also very very big on critiques, after any job I did professionally I wanted to be critiqued and given notes on what I could do better the next time.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I would say non-creatives would struggle to understand that it’s not just clothes and it’s not a game. Some people eat, breathe and sleep this and people don’t want time wasted whatsoever. It’s a very political game, yes creative but it’s a lot of politics that go into the final product. Oh! This a business first, I remember I did not want Lade to pay me since I was just happy to be there and he checked me and said this is a business and if you want longevity ask for your money and immediately told me to make that invoice. Cultivate your tribe with a business mindset, be strategic and make sure everything makes sense. Do your research and have your t’s crossed and i’s dotted because not everyone will have your best interest at heart. I was thankful enough to have Lade look out for me to make sure I got my professional credits, and teach me along the way and he never let me see him sweat. Always humble and remained patient with me I will forever respect him for that.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I definitely had to unlearn is to not be overly serious. I definitely went into Misa’s school being very “I’m not here to be friends with anyone, we are here to learn and I’m here to win”. I recall if everyone in the class would laugh, I’d sit there with a serious face because why is everyone laughing I’m here to learn. I had to unlearn that quickly and just go with the flow…. a bit. I went to a Military High School, so I’m very structured and disciplined so when I do projects especially I’m also like a drill sergeant where I expect everyone to be on time, get the job done, and go home. It does help me because it helps me in rooms where I know what I want and how I want it but I’ve learned to laugh a bit and not be so drill sergeant like and enjoy myself in the midst of working.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rashadjamil.com
• Instagram: @rashadjx

Image Credits

@gennxoxo
@andreuncut
@misahylton
@thepearlsimo
@anuoloyde
@thanaa.i
@legendarylade
@galore
@revolttv
@jozzy
@kingcombs
@adorablenellz