Meet VALLEY’s Fall 2023 Fashion Section Opener: Demarco Rush

Photo by Taay Jaack and Shana Andrews

Demarco Rush is making waves as a budding entrepreneur in the world of apparel. His journey from a casual dresser to a fashion visionary is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and self-belief.

“I used to just wear sweatpants and hoodies,” Rush says, reflecting on his early days. His youth was marked by a passion for basketball, and his clothing choices were more about comfort and function than style. However, as he matured, his interest in fashion started to evolve, and he began to care more about what he wore.

His approach to personal style underwent a transformation too, particularly when he got to college. He adopted a more sophisticated and put-together look, favoring button-down flannels, white shirts, jeans, and a pair of classic Air Forces. His style was simple yet refined, demonstrating a unique blend of comfort and style. Rush was particular about not dressing up all the time, reserving the occasion for special outings or events. He jokingly mentions having a “hundred white shirts and wife beaters,” indicating his commitment to simplicity.

For Rush, hair is an integral part of his style. He enjoys experimenting with different hairstyles, whether it’s braids, cornrows, or an afro. His willingness to explore different looks and adapt his style to his mood and daily life is a key aspect of his fashion journey.

Reflecting on his earlier years, Rush admits that he didn’t always care about what he wore. He experimented with various styles and often chose clothing in haste. As he continued to grow, his experiences and the people he met played a pivotal role in shaping his fashion sense.

The pivotal turning point was being surrounded by more women and peers his own age. He realized he wanted to make a statement with his style, demonstrating that he knew how to dress. This newfound confidence and the compliments he received from friends and acquaintances fueled his desire to expand his wardrobe and experiment with new looks.

Rush’s fashion evolution was further enriched by the influence of his friend Sierra. During the quarantine of 2020, while schools were closed, Sierra began designing knitted sweaters. Rush was enthralled by her creative process and how she turned designs into reality. This experience ignited his interest in fashion and the possibility of creating his own designs. He learned that fashion wasn’t limited to professionals; anyone with a vision and dedication could enter the world of clothing design.

Around a year ago, Rush had a game-changing idea: to start his own fashion brand. The brand was born out of inspiration, initially with a website that left much to be desired. Compared to its current state, Rush’s first version was a far cry from the polished platform it is today.

Rush’s decision to dive into apparel and shirt design was fueled by his belief that he could create something better than what was available in the market. He began sketching out his ideas and showing them to friends, asking, “Would you wear this?” His vision started to take shape, and he embarked on a journey to turn it into a reality.

Rush’s story serves as an inspiring narrative of someone who transformed his passion for fashion into a budding entrepreneurial venture. His journey underscores the importance of self-belief, hard work, and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals who can help turn dreams into reality.

“A lot of times we’re just lazy, and we don’t want to do the little steps,” Rush says. “So when you actually want to take something seriously and you really start grinding, you’ll see results.”

For all other dreamers out there, Rush offers the following advice to them:

“Anything is possible if you really put your mind to it.”

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