I can’t stress the point enough, how amazing it is to see a young person not only go after what they want, but just be so focused and passionate as if there were nothing else for them to be doing. This guy took what he loves and basically headed down a one way road, like there was no other option for him. I’m often inspired by the slightest of things, and every time I hang around him, I get this sense of newness to push harder, and just to create something fresh and something unique. He really has such a huge vision for not only fashion, but just to make it bigger than what everyone would consider the confines of fashion, and because of this, I have tons of respect for his craft. He truly is a legend in the making, and knowing he’s one of my friends makes me proud, and pushes me to be the best that I can be.
You really know the persons who are going to follow through and definitely leave a mark, and that’s why I want to present to you- Barrio Dimitri!
1) Who is Barrio Dimitri?
Barrio Dimitri is a 18 year old, who is inspired by art, style and fashion at large. I’m a French student at the University of the West Indies, and I aspire to become an editor at the climax of my career in fashion.
2) How did you get into fashion?
I’ve always enjoyed getting dressed and styling myself. I always had an appreciation for designers brands, and anything that screamed a great deal of quality and generally looked good.I currently run an online fashion blog which attracts hundreds of viewers daily, and I work as a stylist and writer for third party companies.
3) What is your creative process like?
I’m usually inspired by many elements around me, and these may range from simply nature or even the people, to a piece I see walk down a runway, or a look I see on a street style blog. After I’m inspired, I put my own twist to things, and work feverishly to accomplish whatever I envisioned. Being a learned graphic designer, it’s very easy for me to implement my ideas graphically and my blog has always been known for a great look.
4) As a Visionary, what were the biggest challenges that you had to overcome, in order to get to your current point?
In our day and age, technology makes anything possible; however, ideas that are dreamt are not always birthed, simply because of procrastination. I have been on many occasions bored and uninspired, but I always try to push past these stages, because I don’t want anything handed to me, I want to work for whatever I want.
5) I’ve noticed that many of the people in our society sit back and wait for things to happen. How do you feel, when you’ve been working towards something, and it’s finally achieved?
The average person would assume they’ve reached success, and don’t get me wrong, cause I’m often happy when I overcome or accomplish something, but there’s always something greater, so I just keep looking onward. The universe is infinite, so the sky can never be the limit!
6) That’s interesting, and definitely something to remember. Now, let’s talk about your support. What do your family and friends think about all that you do?
From the get-go, everyone has been supportive of all that do, and being a Christian, my parents especially want me to follow God’s plan for my life. I still get those moments where my friends would ask how they look, or even what they should wear, and then the random outbursts of calling me “La Mode!”
7) Haha! I can definitely testify to that. I noticed you mentioned your Christianity, how has it influenced your perspective on life, or even fashion?
Christianity to me is about relationship and not religion. Having a great relationship with God allows you to firstly overcome many challenges in life and secondly think positively, as it relates to the future, knowing full-well that God is in control. In fashion, I’ve always been warned to be careful of certain things, like the easily blurred line between pornography, as well as it’s association with homosexuality. Nonetheless, I think I’ve got those under control.
8) What would your response be, to persons who often associate guys with an acute sense of style, as being gay?
In all honesty, clothes have no gender and all guys who are stylish are certainly not gay. Society has continually put stereotypes in place, that associate style with a person’s sexual orientation and I just think these mindsets need to be broken. People should start seeing style as simply what it is: A way to express oneself.
9) Do you work alone, or do you share your creative space?
Working with people has always been a huge issue for me, since I like things to be done to perfection. Thankfully, all the members of my Team and I, see eye-to-eye.
10) How do you stay connected to the wider creative community in Barbados and overseas?
Networking is actually an integral part of being a blogger . All I can say is, thank God for Facebook. Haha
11) What would be your dream project?
I don’t necessarily have a “dream project”, but collaborating with some of my favourite designers like Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs or even Andrea Pompilio would be major.
12) Those are some big names! What factors do you look at when deciding your list of favourite designers?
Well one thing I really love about fashion, is it’s constant change; in fact that’s one thing that gets me excited to see the collections every season. I look for a sense of innovation, true style and edginess when selecting a favourite designer. One key thing, is always to remain a step a head of the rest and to become The Definer, and not the one to follow what’s being defined.
13) So what’s next for Barrio Dimitri?
Well this semester I really plan to focus on getting through with school, since having a degree always helps in the long run. My blog is still in it’s “baby stages,” so I’m definitely going to be working on it’s growth, as well as the evolution of my personal style. As it relates to big goals, I really want to move to New York or Paris for the coming year, so I’ll see how that pans out.
14) I know you’ve worked with names like Hypebeast.com and even Freedom 5 Clothing, how has it been working with them?
All the jobs where I’ve took on the position of being a style writer have all been challenging, only because after all the collections, shows, campaigns and lookbooks are out, I have to get my words together and plan reviews. Last year I had to review shows at New York Fashion Week for 2 publications, and it has always given me a little challenge trying to write two completely different reviews for the same shows.
Working as the Style Director for Freedom 5 is an incredible experience. Not to be biased, but as a young label, I think the brand has a great head start in the industry, especially because the ideas brought forward are unique and allow for consistency in their designs. I am only one part of the strong creative team at Freedom 5, who all seem to understand the fundamentals of style and of course brand marketing. Just makes my job a tad bit easier… haha!
15) As a person who has accomplished a number of your dreams, what advice would you give to someone who aspires to accomplish big things?
Hard work and dedication are really the only things that allow people to accomplish their goals. I think that it’s important to stay focused, and understand that no matter where you are from, how little you may have, or who you may be, once you persevere and as people say “keep your eyes on the prize” nothing will stop you from reaching success.
16) What does being a Visionary mean to you?
In my opinion, a Visionary is someone who has the ability to see their target with superb accuracy, and at all costs bring it to fruition.
17) Okay, I’m sure we all know that La Mode Dimitri has become a household name for many. Would you say that your visionary thinking has given you an advantage amongst your peers?
Being able to see clearly what you want to achieve in life definitely helps in giving you a head start, but I don’t necessarily think that it gives me an “advantage” among my peers. Everyone has to know their state of mind, but only those that work feverishly with their goal in mind, will succeed.
Okay, Barrio, it was nice chatting with you. It’s clear to see that you’re definitely a great inspiration for many, giving food for thought.
Same here Akeem! I was beginning to run out of answers. Haha!
INNOVATE. TO. FLY. 