Chyrelle Carter didn’t attend an HBCU, but through her business at Vanity Pix, she’s getting a taste of the experience every October.
The streetwear brand entrepreneur recently spoke to rolling out about her business journey, HBCUs and fashion tips for the upcoming fall season.
How did the concept of this brand come about?
I’ve been doing this for about five and a half years. As you see, I have the lightning bolt there [on Vanity Pix logo] because I believe in good vibes and good energy, so I’m all about that. I believe in having distinctive streetwear pieces that when you put them on, you feel amazing, you feel like you can conquer anything.
Why did you come to Clark Atlanta University’s homecoming?
Last year, I was fully employed working as a retail manager and I went to my first homecoming at TSU. I decided it would be amazing if I could do an HBCU homecoming tour. Lo and behold, I got fired in April and it allowed me to free up my time and focus on my business now.
I’ve never been to college myself, so I’m living vicariously and feeling the love by doing this and I absolutely love being around my people.
What fashion tips do you have for men this fall?
Definitely layers. Always have your essential pieces like your favorite hoodie or favorite sweatshirt, I’m always about a staple piece. Do not be afraid to wear a staple piece, there are so many ways that you can wear it. If you need help, you can DM me, but just have fun. Let your outfit speak for you without you saying anything, but just do your own thing.
What fashions do you have available for women?
What I love about my brand is I’m not really collection-driven. I create vibes, so it’s not a collection, but everything you can mix and match and it just goes together.
I love color and I know everybody loves … black and some basic [pieces], so I just believe in mixing up everything. One of my favorite pieces this fall is this bubblegum shacket. I love this so much. It has pockets, you can wear it as a shirt, you can wear it open as a jacket. I just really love this piece. It’s a really hard pink to find, so this has been one of my favorites. I didn’t go to college, but I am a fashion alumni, and I think all the girls are, so I just really like making fun pieces that people love to wear.
