Smalls was voted Charleston Fashion Week’s People’s Choice winner in the Emerging Designer Competition
The designer bought his first sewing machine in 2014 and was later inspired by the street fashion he saw while stationed in Korea with the National Guard. Shortly after returning, the Mount Pleasant native launched the Highest in the Room art collective and hosted the first Gullah Gala fashion show in 2022. A year later, he debuted his own clothing brand, RèJuvón, and in October at Charleston Fashion Week, Smalls won over the audience with his edgy, retro-inspired collection, taking home the People’s Choice Award. Here, he shares how he styles his pieces.
Q Who are your top local designers and makers?
A My favorite local artist is Demetrius Bing, who goes by “Art of Bing.” His work is very Basquiat-esque with a twist of his own (above). I’m a huge fan of Nicholas Overstreet and his brothers at Boysterous. They specialize in custom leather handmade goods. I’m manifesting a collab with them soon. I must say Obsidian Watches by Tony Turner as well (above). I haven’t come across a piece that I didn’t like from any of these artists.
Q Do you have a New Year’s resolution?
A My New Year’s resolution is the same every year: continue to get better with everything I have my hands into, whether it’s being a better father to my three daughters, designer, or student. My goal is to be better than I was last year and surround myself with love all year long. For New Year’s, my family usually gets together, and we have a feast, then bring in the New Year with prayer. Typically, I’m dressed in some RèJuvón sweats (above).
Q What’s your favorite piece you’ve designed?
A The patch denim fit that I wore to NYFW last February and the “butter leather” brown set that I wore to Charleston Fashion Week (above). That fit made it to the BET Awards on the red carpet last year, as well. I style them with a white Ralph Lauren dress shirt and a tie. Since my pieces are versatile, you can wear them with sneakers, boots, oxfords, or loafers.
Q What’s your go-to layering piece for staying warm?
A Before I started designing and wearing my own pieces, I was wearing a lot of Levi’s jackets with the wool liner (above), thermals, sweaters, and cargos. I’m a very cozy fella, so I like to stay comfortable. Charleston isn’t known to get very cold, so those pieces with a nice hat do the job every time.
Q What are the items in your closet that you couldn’t live without?
A I need a black, custom RèJuvón suit with a nice pair of sneakers, such as Adidas X Wales Bonner “Sambas” (above), and some fresh Ralph Lauren undies for comfort. Keeps me happy.
Photographs by (smalls) Marie Rodriquez & courtesy of (butter leather & sweats) Rèjuvón, (Artwork) Demetrius Bing, (watch) Tony Turner, (sneakers) adidas, & (jacket) Wiki Commons
