Meet Angelique James | Designer & Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angelique James and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angelique, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’d like to say I’ve always been fearless, but the truth is I wasn’t always taking risks. I’ve had to overcome many obstacles in my life that has shaped me into the risk taker that I am today. I am thankful for the hardships because now I feel like braver to jump out and create opportunities and experiences for myself and my career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a designer living in Arizona. My specialty is upcycling old designs and creating something new from them. With each design I have pushed myself as a creative further and further. I have only been designing for a little over a year and cannot wait to see the evolution in my pieces in the future! I started out as working as a Stylist Assistant for a stylist in AZ known, as Archangel Virtuoso. We produced a fashion show known as the Blackheart Event where I was able to style looks for the show as well as help design the finale dress. This was my first role in fashion and I’ve learned so much through this experience, I still carry that knowledge with me till this day. When I first started creating my own pieces it was not easy at all, I got in my head a lot. I often asked myself, “Can I do this? What will people think? What if I’m not talented enough?” But I kept moving forward either way. I had a vision that I wanted to see it through till the end and I’m so proud of myself for not giving up. I fell in love with my designs and it got to a point where I no longer craved other people’s validation. The only voice I needed to listen to was myself. I take pride in knowing that I accept challenges as they come, I thrive in it. The people who appreciate my work will understand my point of view, and those people are the ones I cherish the most. I am truly thankful. What I want to the world to know about my brand is to live fearlessly and unapologetic. Do not let anyone tell you who you are, you are special and unique – truly one of a kind. That is how I show my work through my fashion. I am not just a fashionista, I am an artist yearning to leave my footprint on the world for future generations to come.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For breakfast I would take my bestie to one of my favorite brunch spots in Tempe called Sunbar. They give out champagne for 1 cent if you buy a meal and it’s the perfect way to kick off the day. For lunch we would travel downtown to Phoenix and eat lunch at Rosso Italiano. They have the best lunch menu, I usually get the chicken pesto panini with a side salad. All of the ingredients are so fresh and the wine is delicious! For dinner we will travel to Scottsdale and eat at Steak. It’s a little pricey but totally worth the money and the steak is to die for! For cocktail hour we will go to my favorite rooftop lounge, Outrider, in Scottsdale as well. The drinks are amazing, and the views are absolutely breath-taking especially at sunset. Then we can finish the rest of the night going back downtown and check out all of the various speak easy type clubs. They are so fun and we get the chance to dance the night away!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wanna give much appreciation to my mom for always being supportive of me and all of my creations. She has watched me sew for hours and hours and helped me keep going.

There were times I have used her as my mannequin to make sure the design is perfect. She never hesitates to get up and play dress up with me. Thank you Mom and I love you!

Instagram: Absoluttrose

Other: Tik Tok: absoluttrose

Image Credits
Models: Judy Pierre, Acacia Sanders, Angelique James
Photographers: Justin Proctor, Kaptured.byKyle

(All looks are designed and styled by me: Angelique James aka Rose)