Fashion With Tabytha Rodriguez

I’m a 24 year old freelance graphic designer—music obsessed, and creatively driven. My life’s goal is to create a new era of independent products, one that doesn’t simply create for the consumer, but for the love of the brand, the mission, and the fun of it all. Music is such a huge inspiration and significant influence in my life. I wanted to create something that provided unique products to music lovers, and exposure to talented, passionate artists creating imaginative sound. More simply, I’m a dreamer, with no intention of getting my head out of the clouds.

When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?

That’s actually the first time anyone has seen me as such, it’s an incredible feeling actually so thanks for that ha. I was unemployed, living life pixelated and in a given format. What started as one of the hardest times in my life ended up being the most incredible thing that could have happened to me. I realized then that designing a new realm of music inspired clothing was what I should be doing, despite the struggles ahead. The path is still rocky, but the end game is worth every bump along the way.

Where do you get your inspiration today?

Music. It’s all around us, surrounding our lives in the subtlest of ways. It inspires new waves of ingenuity, and makes things worthwhile.

Who were some of your major influences in the beginning of your dream?

Definitely my friends. Without their support and praise, I know for a fact Radio Fonix would still be a prolonged vision.

What does fashion mean to you?

I think fashion is what we use to translate our personas—a way for us to be as literal or as figurative as we’d like to be. Fashion is our imagination and personality at work, and is very much so its own art form.

How do you feel your graphic tees reflect on the music and entertainment industry?

Our goal is to both create and expose, and I like to think we influence music lovers to support local music and indie culture, through one of kind designs and products yes, but also through unique events, collaborations and projects. Radio Fonix is more than graphic tees, it’s an entirely new and unrivaled experience for the music lover.

What is the best perk of being a designer?

I’d have to say the completely open world of innovative possibility, literally at your fingertips. The freedom to craft what you imagine and generate inspiration—captivating others with something you’ve created.

Can your fans be expecting you to team up with another brand to create an additional collection sometime in the near future?
Oh definitely. We love collaborating with artists and musicians of all genres, and can’t wait to reveal some epically massive upcoming projects and events we’ve been planning with local and national musicians.

How would you define your city’s fashion?

Austin, much like the cosmic world of music, is entirely eclectic, yet cohesive—completely unique and broadened by the diverse, passionate locals who continue to be inspired by style.

What was the first thing you created?

Our first design was so rookie, it was a light blue shirt with the words “Break Beats Not Hearts” on the left chest, with our logo in the corner; an extremely rough design that ended up inspiring a vastly fantastic world of opportunity for Radio Fonix as a brand.

Who are some of your favorite clothing designers?

Johnny Cupcakes was and continues to be a huge inspiration of mine. He started selling shirts out his trunk, and now owns the most successful indie t-shirt brand in the world. The guy’s a uniquely inventive beast.

What do you wish people would understand about branding yourself in the fashion industry?

It’s not about quantity, it’s quality. It is innovation and originality—but more importantly, it’s passion, and drive. Starting a brand solely based on the need to make money is the biggest mistake you can make. Be completely in love with your project or don’t bother.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start an apparel line?

Starting your own line is a shit ton of work, but “work” isn’t such when you love what you do. Get behind your idea, 100%, and stay dedicated. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth the troubles you’ll face, I can’t emphasize that enough.

What trends do you see being big next season?

In terms of Radio Fonix, I think next season will be the rebirth of analog—the 90’s and the awesome culture that came with that decade, mixtapes, fanny packs, vibrant colors and overlooked patterns. What was once categorized as ‘old school’ will make a comeback through our bold ideas. I can’t wait to unveil what we have been working on.

Is there anything you would like our readers to know?

We LOVE creative individuals, whether you express your passions through song, art, dance, film…if you truly in love with an idea, go for it. Hesitation and fear are creative people’s kryptonite. Loving what you do can inspire others to do the same.

Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!” moment…

Oh man. So once, when we were in the very early stages of Radio Fonix, we sold at an EDM event in downtown Houston. It was a culture shock, with colossal bass and half naked, sweaty ravers. Toward the end of the night we literally watched a guy intensely studying his hand and arm as if he had just grown a limb for the first time. He was dead eyed and hysterically laughing on the ground behind a trash can, near the exit. Rubbing his face and slobbering in the corner alone. We were both entertained and unbelievably disturbed. Drugs y’all. They’ll melt your brain.

Radio Fonix Bio: RF[x] is the brainchild of the inspiration I’ve had, and continue to get from the ever expanding world of music. Music has always been a necessity in my life, as far back as I can remember. The collective wave of sound, lyrics or the whole idea of it all is truly incredible. I wanted to capture my eclectic love of music and create a brand that appealed to fans of any genre or decade; generate a truly unique experience and product for the music lover, and most importantly, create opportunities for independent artists driven by the same passion.

Website: http://rfxapparel.storenvy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rfxapparel
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RFxApparel

Interview By: Daja Marie

www.thehypemagazine.com