Yesterday, we introduced the four finalists in the running for The Cultivate Awards Year II Grande Prize!
On April 23, the four finalists chosen by a panel of notable
judges and guided by a celebrity mentor will showcase their work in hopes of winning the $10,000 prize and the opportunity to have a capsule collection with ELOQUII!
But before you tune in with us, we want everyone to get to know who they will be cheering on during the LIVE virtual event!
The Cultivate Awards Finalist Spotlight: Angela Rene’!
Angela Rene’ is CEO and Designer of Rene’ Tyler . Her love affair with fashion began at a very young age. She was influenced by her mother and grandmother, who taught her the fundamentals of sewing. Being surrounded by women with style and her love of fashion, she always knew she wanted to be a designer.
As a plus size woman, she found the selection of fashions to be limited and unappealing. She always wondered why the plus size department is always hidden in the back of the store, like the ugly stepchild, and why contemporary, trendy, and couture designs stopped at size 14? Her frustration to find fashionable clothing in her size gave her the determination to create her own!
Angela Rene’ believes no matter what size you are, women should have options when it comes to fashion. It doesn’t matter if you’re a size four or twenty-four. Fashion is for everyone!
Get To Know The Cultivate Awards Finalists, In Their Own Words
What inspired you to become a designer?
“I’ve always loved fashion, and was inspired by my mother and women in my family who were so stylish and glamorous. I was always a size ten or larger since I can remember. As my size increased, I still wanted stylish fashions that were made available in smaller sizes. It was so frustrating finding fashionable styles as a size eighteen/twenty, I eventually started creating my own.”
Where do you pull inspiration from?
“I pull inspiration from Old Hollywood and I love the era of Dynasty when women dressed up for every occasion. I’m really inspired by new designers that are creating the next generation of fashion.“
Are there any designers that inspire you?
“I’m inspired by other designers that create pieces that are on trend, fashionable, and wearable. Some of my favorites include Sergio Hudson, Hanifa, Andrea Pitter-Campbell, Michael Kors, Zuhair Murad, Ralph & Russo, and Michael Cinco to name a few.”
What do you feel the fashion industry is missing?
“I feel the fashion industry is too focused on fast fashion, due to the rise of influencers and brands that can sell products quickly and cheaply. I feel the industry is missing sizes twenty-four and above. The plus-size industry has come a long way, but still needs to cater to all plus-size women and provide stylish fashion for them as well.”
How would you describe your personal style?
“My personal style is a multitude of colors, especially purple. I love a flowy maxi dress, as well as a fabulous caftan. A well tailored suit, and a sequin evening gown are an absolute staple in my wardrobe.“
What do you feel makes your designs stand out from other designers?
“My designs stand out from other designers because I cater to all body types. People that wear Rene’ Tyler, are fashionable but are all different shapes and sizes. Whether it’s a bodycon, a-line dress, pantsuit, or evening gown my brand accommodates every type of customer. I also realize that not all plus-size consumers are in their 20’s. My brand caters to all ages, sizes, and genders.“
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned since starting your brand?
“My biggest lesson I’ve learned since starting my brand is that you never stop learning. There’s always something new to learn. You must be open to new ideas, concepts, strategies, and setbacks. COVID is a perfect example. We had to rebrand and come up with a new focus on what we wanted to market to our customers. We started carrying loungewear, and pieces our customers could wear at home while in quarantine. That was a big lesson in being able to pivot our brand’s mission in order to keep the brand running.“
We are thrilled to have Angela Rene’ as one of our four finalists!
Don’t forget to RSVP to the live event!
Check back in tomorrow and learn about finalist Charniece White, founder and designer of Pinecone Row, and B a r k w o o d!