XL’s Featured Tribesmen’s Of The Week Rashawn Haskell

XL’s Featured Tribesmen’s Of The Week Rashawn Haskell

1.    What are your biggest fashion obstacles?

One of the biggest obstacles is not having the flexibility to make a quick trip to the mall and find an outfit on trend in my size. Typically, I have to shop online to find edgy or trendy pieces that I really love which is never a quick process. With online shopping, I have to plan my purchases pretty far in advance of events to ensure everything arrives on time and fits to my liking. This often means ordering things in multiple sizes and making a lot of returns. Overall, shopping for the clothing I really want requires a lot effort and I wish I had more convenient shopping options close by.

2. Where are you from and what are the biggest fashion trends in your city?

I currently live in Charlotte, NC by the way of Harlem, NY, and Eutawville, SC. In Charlotte, aka the Queen City, style is a melting pot that embraces all types of fashion from other cities and regions. But in Charlotte, we have a unique way of personalizing those trends. For instance, I still can’t shake my Harlem roots and so I’ll throw on a fitted with just about anything.

3. Tell us about your biggest fashion nightmare and if it came true do explain. (attach a picture if you can).

This present-day nightmare was actually my reality during my sophomore year in college. It was professional dress day for my fraternity. Being a college student on a tight budget, money was limited so I had to piece something together. I ended up wearing these God awful cognac colored loafers, a tan oversized suit jacket, and a silk/polyester button down dress shirt that had the exact shades of cognac and tan in the print. As if the excessive matching wasn’t enough, I used to rock a texturizer in my hair and colored contacts. Needless to, say there are no pictures. I am so grateful for the change!

4. What are some of your biggest style inspirations?

I love style trends from both the 70s and 80s. I’m really inspired by the bold patterns and prints worn in the 70s as well as the urban fashion and streetwear worn in the 80s. I find myself combining these styles and putting a little 21st-century stank on it! Some might think these trends clash but I’ve learned that I have to own my choice of clothing with no regrets.

5. Where do you see yourself in five years and how do you see yourself accomplishing it?

I am currently the owner and stylist of Inspired By Your Hair (IBYH) studio salon here in Charlotte, NC. IBYH is located in a facility with many other individually owned salon suites. While learning about the operations and functionality of these sorts of salon suite facilities, I realized I could own one myself so in the next 5 years I aim to do just that. I’ve also launched IBYH logo apparel – clothing that dawns the sophisticated yet edgy IBYH logo. I’ve already started planning an expansion of the apparel line so in the coming 5 years, I’ll be releasing more and more new pieces.

6. What do you feel is missing in fashion for the men of size?

The major missing link in fashion for men of size is availability and diversity of clothing in department stores. If sizes are found in stores, it’s often in clothing that is oversized and outdated. Sometimes the sizes on the labels aren’t true fit which is as good as not carrying the sizes in the first place. Brands and stores should start valuing their customers of all sizes and give us equal options and selection.

Social Media

Facebook: Rashawn Haskell

IG: Royaliron (Personal)

IG: Inspired By Your Hair (Business) #ibyh

IBYH Apparel: www.inspiredbyyourhair.bigcartel.com

Website: www.inspiredbyyourhair.com (coming this fall)

Snapchat: Royaliron