When it comes to the world of fashion, Bran- don Hunt has done it all. Raised in Phoenix, Arizona, he entered the fashion industry as a model, walking the runway for brands and fashion shows across the country. In 2015, Hunt launched Livintage Apparel, a brand that today offers trendy graphic T-shirts, crewnecks, joggers, bodysuits, dresses and sunglasses, as well as rare vintage finds. Hunt also works as a stylist, sharing his skills in photoshoots and curating looks for celebrity clients, which earned him the Best Stylist in Arizona award at Phoenix Fashion Week in 2016.
Below, Hunt shared his unique and creative perspective on how he approaches his multifaceted fashion career, from the psychology of successful styling to what keeps him inspired.
Did you have a moment in your childhood where you knew that you loved the fashion world?
Absolutely. I have vivid memories of going to church and my different outfits. That’s when I realized that I really loved fashion — it was going back and forth to church and being able to dress up and look unique.
Tell me about the beginnings of your fashion career as a model and how you transitioned to a stylist and designer.
I really loved modeling. It was something different for me. I was an athlete before getting into the modeling and fashion industries, and I kind of got the same adrenaline from when I ran track that I did doing runways. I always really enjoyed that aspect of modeling, but for me being a creative, I was always kind of biased about the outfits people would put me in. I would always want to improve the outfits, and I think that’s when I got to the point where I was like, “Modeling is fun, but I’m not enjoying it as much because of the things that I’m wearing when I’m walking down the runway or in photoshoots.” So I started styling myself and creating my own image of what I wanted to see people [wearing].
I actually did Phoenix Fashion Week. I’m originally from Phoenix, and I wanted to check out the event. A lot of people were wanting to connect with me because of my outfit. At that time, that’s when I started getting into styling my friends’ photoshoots and different things, and eventually I started doing it for myself. Transitioning from styling to designing, it was like, “Ok, I like these pieces that I’m putting together, but I’m not liking the design of the pieces.” I wanted to take it a step further and have my own personal collection.
As a stylist, what is your approach to find a perfect piece for a client?
I feel like styling is similar to psychology, [in terms of ] really getting to know your clients and knowing what they like and what they don’t. And even outside of that, kind of pushing them outside of their comfort levels. One of my biggest things is getting to know my clients inside and out so that I can literally think for them and be able to pick their clothes without them picking their clothes or [without] them even knowing that they like a piece — until they actually put it on, and they get the response that they want from the outfits.
Have you taken any lessons from styling with you to designing? Is designing a similar creative experience?
It’s a similar process. For designing, I do like sketches — I sketch designs of different collections that I’d like to be made. It is kind of similar to styling because you envision the different pieces that you can put together. That’s the same thing I do with styling. I start with a main piece — like, “I like this jacket” — and build from that jacket. And then add accessories and try to fluff it up.
What do you think makes you feel the most creative?
I’m inspired by so much. My kids are really an inspiration for me. I’m actually working on a kids’ collection right now. My son doesn’t know — I hope he’s not by the door listening! I’m creating a kids’ collection specifically for him, but it’ll be connected to my actual brand as well. But it will be his own little brand for him because I want to teach my kids the importance of hard work, and I want him to have that business mindset. He’s only six, about to be seven, but I want him to have his own business!
What are three things you make sure to do every day?
First, I always pray to begin the day. I pray for my business, my family and everyone who is connected to me to just flourish. So that’s one thing I do. I am [compulsive] about organization, so most of the time I’m organizing something or making sure that things are perfect. And mostly every day I put an outfit together — I have a mannequin in my office. I want to challenge myself and style a different look every single day.
What advice would you give to some- one who is interested in entering the fashion industry?
I would say to just really trust yourself. If you have an idea, go with it, and don’t think about what people think of what you’re doing. Being an athlete and then going into fashion, people were like, “What are you doing?” But it’s something that I wanted to do for myself, an idea that I had for myself. So I would say to trust your instincts and to not have that fear. Get over the fear of starting something new and being different.
All people are different in their own ways, and I think we get so used to being similar to other people that it frightens us to step outside of that box. … If you show that you’re confident in whatever you’re doing and your product, other people are going to believe in that product, too.
What’s next for Livintage Apparel?
I have a couple collections coming out. I actually started out with a vintage boutique, so I have some very rare vintage pieces still. That was my vision behind Livintage Apparel when I started it, so we’re always going to have vintage pieces. I’m working on the kids’ collection like I mentioned, and I’m always working on different men’s and women’s collections. I have a luxury leather line that I’ll be working on here soon. It’ll be bags, jackets and shoes. I’m excited about that.
