The REALTIME Brand Launch was an introduction to the heart behind
my business, my art, and the purpose God breathed into both.
This launch was a lesson in faith, surrender, and what God can do when He is invited into your work. I am BEYOND grateful to everyone who helped bring my vision to life, everyone who showed up to support REALTIME, and every divine blessing along the way. Through this experience, a purpose was revealed to me that extends beyond fashion; a testimony in art form.. I am still in awe and so grateful.
REALTIME was not created with the intention of becoming what it is today, and this launch felt like a public display of private growth.
Now, if I’m being honest, I wanted to cancel the launch so many times! I struggled to be satisfied with my best, and between the stress, the hours invested, the limited resources, and the weight of perfectionism… UGH. Making this launch happen looked bleak!..
But, per usual, GOD DELIVERED.
The “Work of Art“ collection held themes of strength, beauty, vulnerability and individuality… What I love the most is how safe I felt to explore what I could really do as a clothing artist... No noise, no distractions… Just me and God in my space. In my opinion, some of my best work to-date lives within this collection.
I’ve learned through this launch that I'm simply not about aesthetics, trends, or culture.. My art is always at its best when I create authentically, in-tune with who God has called me to be. The process isn’t always beautiful, but the refinery always yields something that is.
REALTIME Collection "Work of Art"
Entering into an atmosphere of worship before the fashion show. Giving God all the glory with a praise dance!
The "32rd Birthday Dress"
This cape was constructed from a handmade textile created from upcycled denim. Each shape was hand-cut, sewn, and draped to form the final silhouette.
A quick glance at my patch-worked cape and jumpsuit. Both of these pieces were constructed from upcycled denim.
This denim patch-worked jumpsuit is one of my favorite go-to pieces! The entire left panel was created from a skirt I made in design school.
"The Wavy Trench" is made from one of my FAVORITE fabrics to date, and is my first trench jacket from scratch.
"The Quilted Covering Jacket" is a quilted garment I created from fabric samples and hand-dyed denim. Inspired by my visit to BAMPFA’s "Routed West" Quilt exhibition, this jacket features a blocked design, satin lining and hand-cut triangle quilting. In total, this jacket took me more than 40 hours to complete.
"The Floral Set" was inspired by a design I drew in design school, and I was SO excited to see it come to life, and with floral print 😭 This set felt boss, chic, and beautiful all at once. And, anyone who sees me often has likely seen me with this tote. It's one of my go-to's.
Clearly, "overjoyed" was just NOT ENOUGH. I learned a lot during this launch, and I am grateful for every beautiful moment I get to experience