Though the New York City fashion industry can be oft intimidating to outsiders and newcomers alike, one rising star in the city has been opening up the scene with his welcoming spirit and light-hearted attitude. Armed with talent and moxie in droves, creative Rocco Valentine has been the refreshing dose of sunshine the sartorial business has so desperately needed for years, and his playful demeanor is vital now more than ever as we finally emerge from the months cooped up inside due to covid-19. We sat down with Valentine to pick his brain about his career and find out just what gives our favorite creative of his sunny disposition.
When you entered the fashion industry, how did you know styling was the right move for you? What inspired you to make it a full-time career?
I always admired the fashion industry, specifically models and clothing brands that were new to the industry. We all helped each other grow and build our portfolios. I studied fashion and styling in university which of course motivated me to be a part of the industry -- but it wasn’t until I started assisting and building important relationships that I realized, ok yeah, I could work with brands and models every day and be authentically happy.
Your mega cool reputation working with e-commerce brands precedes itself. How did you help evolve this part of the industry into what it is today?
Not many of my fellow stylists admit to loving this side of the industry. 99% of my styling work is e-commerce brand related -- and it’s perfect for me! Working with brands on how to elevate and put a new perspective on their e-commerce site is what I do best. Having an understanding of the business and marketing side of a fashion brand is a whole other beast, and I’m tackling it head-on.
What work or accomplishment are you most proud of to this day?
I’m most proud of building the network that I have and maintaining positive and beautiful relationships with industry people alike. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the motivation of my network and the inspiration I get from everyone I work with; art directors, hair stylists, makeup artists, models, photographers, etc., everyone leaves an inspiring impression on you that allows you to keep always thinking creatively and pushing forward with your work. It’s like one big family that’s cheering you on. I’m proud to be a part of that family.
Your sustainable swim brand, Inez Valentine, has been generating a lot of buzz lately. How did you pull off such a successful launch in the middle of the pandemic?
This was a tough one. My partner and I had been working on this brand a bit before the pandemic started, and our launch date was planned for July 2020. We put so much energy and time into building this brand that we had to just say “f*** it” and launch during the pandemic, we didn’t want to put it off. I think during such a tragic time, launching a brand gave people something positive to pay attention to. We prioritize giving back to the community, whether it’s a portion of our sales going back to a like-minded cause, or interviewing someone’s unique story and shining a positive light on inspiring people. We’re more than just a swim brand, we’re a community.
Between styling and your own swimwear line, you’ve certainly got an impressive resume in the fashion world already. Any more exciting sartorial projects we can expect from you in the future?
Thank you! Being back on set and working almost every day is extremely challenging and I’m still trying to figure out how to juggle both my career and brand at once. I do have a few exciting projects coming up, but they are hush hush for now! I will say, every project I work on is always inspired by the muses in my life and the positive impact it can leave on my community.
Do you have advice to share with up-and-comers yearning to create a career like yours?
With social media making everything seem so easy nowadays, people just expect they can jump into a career and be successful right off the bat with zero experience. Everybody is different of course, but I truly believe that in the fashion industry it really takes time. Being on photo sets, working with different creatives and understanding the business and marketing behind brands really helps mold you and guide you into becoming the best creative you can be.
Speaking of social media, those working in traditionally behind-the-scenes roles now have a chance to showcase their individuality. What can people expect to see from you on the ‘gram?
I used to be super active on my social media, showing a ton of behind the scenes with the brands I work with and my fun days with models on my stories -- people loved it! It was a way for them to step into my life and see a different perspective of the industry. But, I took a step back, I felt like it was consuming my everyday life and I needed a break. Now, I’m ready to be more active again and show more behind the scenes and my exciting days on set. Get ready for goofball Rocco!
Creatives are so much more than just their work. Outside of the industry, what makes you, you?
I love just laying low with my dog and boyfriend in our neighborhood, Greenpoint Brooklyn. I pick and choose when to be social, as I value my alone time. Walking around my neighborhood and chatting with local shop owners and having conversations with people in parks-always remind me why I live in NYC and how beautiful it can be.
When all is said and done, what do you hope people remember when they hear the name Rocco Valentine?
A kind, inspiring, creative soul that adores his community and the people that helped him along the way.
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