How Stratton Rouge built a luxury empire and defines the way a generation looks to premium accessories and made to wear.
The creative director of Valore discusses past, present, and future, with no signs of slowing down.
When Stratton Rouge brought his vision of Valore to the scene, there was little in the luxury universe which stood up to the bold vision which Valore stands for.
Over the 15 years spearheading luxury brands into the focus of Asian and American buyers, he has subtly and powerfully evolved and defined the way we see luxury brands.
We talk to Stratton about his solo mission to break new ground and push new codes whilst disrupting the industry.
How important is it for you to remain connected to the art world? And why is it important for you?
It comes naturally, like a heartbeat or breathing and drinking. It’s a reaction. Art is absorbed into every motion we make as designers or creatives, and without knowing, we are referencing these things subliminally.
What are you currently listening to in the atelier?
My listening tastes are varied depending on mood and also on what energy is needed for the day ahead. Whilst producing, I listen to a playlist called brainfood, which is mostly ambient electronic sounds mixed with radio and educational podcasts.
We heard you are developing a new stand-alone Brand. Is this true?
Yes, that is true. Our concept for Clubroma has been developing over the past years. It sits in another universe to Valore and is about discovering the world’s antiquities and rarities. It’s an ode to the modern world and building to man’s achievements in architecture and civilisation through artisan craft. Nature and soft forms are the leading guides for the new Maison.
What is your relationship with Italy, in particular Florence?
It’s all very personal, really. But what can you do if you’re personally attached to a place to the extent that it somehow defined parts of your life, it’s influenced the choices I’ve made. For me, that’s how my relationship with Florence is. It’s true that with the passing of time, most relationships change, and they get a different meaning, but what once finds a comfortable spot in your heart is really hard to get rid of. And Florence never gave me any reason for doing so.
In an industry focused so heavily on the individual. How important to you is community?
I believe a community is built around a clear vision, a brand that brings a sense of self or a belief system of something larger than just ‘fashion,’ ultimately and naturally forms a following. We like to think at Valore that we are a statement of aspiration and ambition and our tribe is a reflection of these values.
What is your viewpoint and stance on the pace of the fashion industry?
It’s something that is a representation of our generation, the need for instant consumable content; every fashion brand is having to reinvent ten times a season and create new emerging content, which in many ways is not sustainable.
Especially to continue to create stories that are true and have the soul of the brand. There is a dilution of the brand’s core, and in the long term, the overall brand value is damaged.
It can work well for fashion brands, but for true luxury, we can afford to slow things down and bring quality and vision to every element of our going identity.
How do you view sustainability moving forwards within your Maison?
We look to create every item in a sustainable way. This is the natural footprint of a luxury and bespoke product. It is not mass-sold and never mass-produced. Our factory in Florence works only with material houses located within 20km of our factory, so there is a low emission footprint to produce.
We use non-chrome metal-dyed leathers and work with natural, unprocessed materials selected for individualism and beauty.
It’s not something we need to talk about or use as a focal point. Sustainability comes as a standard starting point for every Valore bag or accessory.
I briefly touched upon your new venture Clubroma. Can you tell us more about this?
Clubroma is a dream world that explores the antiquities and beauty of artisan craft.
It looks to the time when certain objects were made sacred through their legacy and stories.
Objects could hold and retain power and hope. Clubroma is a never evolving story that is embraced and intertwined between the worlds of nature and mans highest achievements, the balance of humanity and nature, and how the two should work together for a better world.
Pushing boundaries again by celebrating visionary minds who shape their future by seizing each moment and truly living it.
Luxury is immaterial because true luxury is about spontaneity.
It is all about the experiences we live and who we share them with.
Clubroma will launch with a line of leather goods and accessories, perfume, and fragrance.
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Streaming reigns supreme in today’s fast-paced digital world, and NotaDist has carved out a unique niche for itself in the music industry. Born in 2017, this plucky non-exclusive distribution service has been turning heads by putting artists first – a refreshing approach in an often cutthroat business.
The brainchild of music industry veterans, NotaDist emerged with a clear mission: to shake up indie music distribution. Their secret sauce? A laser focus on artist autonomy coupled with a hefty dose of human support. It’s not just about getting music out there; it’s about giving independent musicians and record labels the keys to their own success, without tying them down with pesky contractual red tape.
NotaDist’s bread and butter is its global distribution network. They’ve got connections with all the heavy hitters – Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, you name it. For indie artists dreaming of making it big, this means a shot at reaching ears from Tokyo to Timbuktu.
But here’s where it gets interesting: NotaDist isn’t just throwing artists into the deep end and wishing them luck. They’ve cooked up some pretty nifty analytics tools that give musicians the lowdown on who’s listening, where, and how often. It’s like having a crystal ball for your music career – minus the smoke and mirrors.
One thing that really sets NotaDist apart is their hands-on approach to artist support. Unlike some faceless corporations, these folks actually pick up the phone (or respond to emails, for the phone-shy among us). Got a question? They’re on it. Feeling lost in the digital music maze? They’ll be your GPS.
Now, let’s talk freedom. In a world where exclusive contracts can feel like artistic handcuffs, NotaDist’s non-exclusive model is a breath of fresh air. Artists keep their rights, their creative control, and their sanity. It’s your music, your rules – NotaDist just provides the launching pad.
But wait, there’s more! (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) NotaDist has also tapped into the goldmine that is social media monetization. Through some tech wizardry involving YouTube’s Content ID and Facebook’s Rights Manager, they’re helping artists squeeze extra pennies out of every view and like.
As the digital music landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed, services like NotaDist are becoming the unsung heroes of the indie music world. They’re the Swiss Army knife in an artist’s toolkit – distribution, analytics, monetization, all rolled into one neat package.
Curious to learn more? Hop over to NotaDist’s website for the full scoop. And if you’re into the whole social media thing (who isn’t these days?), give them a follow on Twitter or Instagram. Who knows? You might just find the perfect partner to get your tunes out there and take your music career to the next level.
Remember when designer sunglasses were only for the rich and famous? Well, not anymore. Dimmz is shaking things up in the eyewear world, and they’re doing it with style.
So, who are these newcomers, and why should we care?
Dimmz started small – just a bunch of sketches and big dreams. But those rough drawings soon became sleek 3D models, and before long, authentic sunglasses were rolling off the production line. It’s a classic garage-to-greatness story but with a twist.
“We’re not here to be another overpriced brand,” says the Dimmz team. “We want everyone to rock a pair of shades they love without breaking the bank.”
Dimmz has put together a solid lineup that covers all the bases. They’ve got the classic Aviators that never go out of style, and the Suji glasses for guys who want a modern edge. For the ladies, there’s a choice between the Dania Acetate and TR90 frames, plus the stylish Suji Women’s glasses. It’s not the biggest collection out there, but Dimmz is all about quality over quantity. And word is, they’ve got more styles in the works. These folks know what they’re doing, offering something for everyone without overwhelming you with options.
But Dimmz is about more than just looking good. They’ve packed some serious tech into their glasses, too. We’re talking about polarized lenses that cut glare like a hot knife through butter and some fancy coating that keeps smudges at bay. Each pair comes in an expensive leather case—a nice touch that screams “premium” without the eye-watering price tag.
Their latest drop is all about that beach life. Think vibrant colors and funky patterns that’ll have you standing out at any summer bash. Rumor has it they’ve got some limited-edition collaborations in the pipeline that’ll make the fashion crowd sit up and take notice.
Here’s what sets Dimmz apart, though: “We believe looking good shouldn’t cost the earth,” they say. It’s not just a catchy slogan – it’s baked into everything they do, from design to pricing.
When asked what they hope customers get from their products, the Dimmz crew doesn’t miss a beat: “Confidence. Style. And maybe a little bit of swagger.”
They’re making waves online, turning their website into a hotspot for savvy shoppers. And while they’re new to the game, they’re already giving the big boys a run for their money.
What’s impressive is how Dimmz has managed to balance quality with affordability. Their frames are made from durable acetate and metal, with stainless steel hinges that can take a beating. It’s the kind of attention to detail you’d expect from a high-end brand but at prices that won’t make your wallet weep.
Dimmz isn’t just about selling sunglasses; they want to change how we think about luxury. They prove you don’t need to spend a fortune looking and feeling great. It’s a refreshing approach in an industry that often seems more interested in status than substance.
As for the future? “We’re just getting started,” they say with a grin. “Watch this space.” And we believe them. With their style, quality, and affordability mix, Dimmz is poised to make a big splash in the eyewear world.
Want to keep tabs on what Dimmz is up to? Their website is the place to be, and they’re all over Instagram and Facebook. They’re active online, continually sharing new styles and engaging with their growing fan base.
In a nutshell, Dimmz is out to prove that you don’t need deep pockets to look like a million bucks. They’re the new kids on the block and making some serious noise. With their blend of fashion-forward designs, quality materials, and wallet-friendly prices, they’re challenging the status quo and making luxury accessible to all.
The neon lights of Times Square flicker as Travis Minks, founder of Hype Clash Agency, steps out of a yellow cab. He’s just wrapped up another marathon strategy session, his mind still buzzing with hashtags and engagement rates. Welcome to the world of influencer marketing, where likes are currency and trends change faster than New York minute.
Hype Clash burst onto the scene in 2022, riding the wave of a grant that helped them develop their secret weapon: a proprietary platform boasting 270 million influencers. “It was like hitting the jackpot,” Minks grins, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Suddenly, we had this goldmine of data at our fingertips. It was go time.”
But let’s rewind a bit. Picture this: a cramped office, whiteboards covered in scribbles, and a team fueled by dreams and way too much coffee. That’s where Hype Clash was born. “We were total noobs,” laughs one of the first employees. “But we had this crazy idea that we could shake up the influencer game. And you know what? We kinda did.”
Fast forward to today, and Hype Clash is managing a cool $100 million in marketing budgets. Not too shabby for a company that’s barely old enough to order a drink, right? But in the world of viral trends and fleeting fame, three years might as well be a lifetime.
Just ask Jake, a prominent TikTok personality. “One day you’re blowing up, the next you’re yesterday’s news,” he shrugs, idly scrolling through his phone. “But these Hype Clash folks? They’ve got their finger on the pulse. They know what’s gonna pop before it even bubbles.”
Hype Clash’s approach is a three-act play that would make Shakespeare proud. Act One: Define objectives and scout talent. Act Two: Strategize and execute. Act Three: Track results and optimize. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But as any marketer worth their salt will tell you, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
“It’s like herding cats,” chuckles a brand manager who’s collaborated with Hype Clash. “Except the cats are all Instagram influencers with their own agendas. But somehow, Hype Clash makes it work. It’s kinda magical, to be honest.”
And work it does, from the hipster cafes of Brooklyn to the sun-soaked beaches of Rio. Hype Clash has gone global. They’re like the United Nations of content creation, bringing brands and influencers together in a kumbaya of sponsored posts and story takeovers.
But it’s not all about the big fish in this pond. Minks leans in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “You wanna know what really gets me jazzed? The little guys. We once ran this campaign for a mom-and-pop business in Queens. Next thing you know, they’ve got lines out the door. That’s the good stuff right there.”
Of course, in this game, it’s not just about the warm fuzzies. It’s about cold, hard cash. And that’s where Hype Clash’s platform comes in clutch. It’s not just a fancy Rolodex; it’s a one-stop shop for everything from influencer discovery to getting that bread. “It’s like Tinder, but for brands and influencers,” quips one user. “And hopefully with less ghosting.”
But let’s keep it real for a sec. The influencer marketing world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there, and agencies like Hype Clash are always hustling to stay ahead of the game. “It’s exhausting,” admits one team member, dark circles under their eyes betraying late nights crunching numbers. “But man, when a campaign goes viral? It’s better than any high.”
As the sun dips below the Manhattan skyline, casting long shadows across the Hype Clash office, the grind continues. Phones buzz with notifications, laptops glow in the dimming light, and somewhere, an influencer is crafting the perfect caption for a product that might just break the internet.
In this concrete jungle where dreams are made, Hype Clash is carving out its own little empire. They’re not just riding the wave of influencer marketing; they’re making waves of their own. And in an industry where the only constant is change, that’s saying something.
So, what’s next for Hype Clash? Minks leans back in his chair, a mischievous glint in his eye. “We’re just getting started,” he says, tapping his temple. “The best is yet to come. We’ve got some tricks up our sleeve that are gonna make the industry go ‘Whoa!'”
In the meantime, brands and influencers keep flocking to Hype Clash like moths to a flame, drawn by the promise of that sweet, sweet viral magic. And in the city that never sleeps, Hype Clash keeps burning the midnight oil, ready for whatever curveball the digital world throws their way next.
As night falls on the Big Apple, Minks steps out onto the street, the city’s energy pulsing around him. A notification pings on his phone – another campaign just went live. He smiles to himself. In the world of influencer marketing, there’s no rest for the wicked. But then again, who needs sleep when you’re living the dream?
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