October 29, 2024
‘I’ve been able to expand on things I didn’t have answers to before,’ he tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.
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Nigel Xavier, the rising star in sustainable fashion, has taken the industry by storm with his innovative approach to upcycling. Upcycling is an environmentally friendly approach that combines the ideas of “upgrading” (enhancing value) and “recycling” (repurposing). It involves reimagining waste or discarded items and transforming them into valuable new products.
Best known as the winner of Netflix’s Next in Fashion, Xavier has made a name for himself by blending ’90s and early 2000s pop culture aesthetics with his distinct patchwork designs. His work stands out for its visual appeal and deep-rooted sustainability, a value he holds dear. Now, in collaboration with Meta, Xavier is bringing his style to the world of college football through the “Super Fan” program, where AI meets fashion and fandom.
Xavier’s fashion journey began with a need to express himself differently despite scarce resources. “I wanted to dress differently, but I didn’t have the money to buy clothes,” Xavier explains to BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“So I went into my closet and started reworking everything, bleaching, distressing, dyeing.”
This creative improvisation laid the foundation for his signature style of turning pre-existing garments into original pieces by amplifying their essential details. Studies show that up to 50-80% of this waste can be transformed into new apparel by exploring upcycling methods and utilizing surplus materials.
“I didn’t have much, so I used what I had,” he recalls, “putting multiple pockets or waistbands, exaggerating features that excited me.” This ability to transform what already exists into something entirely new is at the heart of his brand.
As part of the “Super Fan” campaign, Xavier has created a limited-edition University of Texas (UT) sweatsuit explicitly designed for super fans gearing up for game day. By leveraging Meta AI, he has artificial intelligence to enhance his designs.
“I’ve been able to expand on things I didn’t have answers to before,” Xavier says. “It’s like having a second mind—an assistant—to cut down the time it takes to research and dive deep into what makes a fan base like UT Austin’s so special.”
Meta AI has allowed him to tap into the culture and traditions of these fan communities, sourcing everything from slogan T-shirts to symbols that represent the team and bringing those elements into his designs. “I wanted to take as much graphics as I could and be loud with it, but still make the clothes cozy and simple in silhouette,” he adds, emphasizing the balance between bold visuals and comfort.
Xavier’s collaboration with Meta extends beyond the University of Texas sweatsuit. Meta has partnered with rising athletes and fans who are using AI to enhance their game-day experiences. While Xavier is applying Meta AI to create standout game-day fashion, other creators, like rapper and TV personality Action Bronson, are using it to design game-day recipes for football watch parties.
Xavier sees this partnership with Meta as a way to elevate his already unique approach to fashion, allowing him to streamline his creative process while exploring new possibilities. “I can ask [Meta AI] about something as specific as which stitch I should use, and it’ll give me thousands of options to expand on,” Xavier says. This dynamic interaction with AI has given him a new perspective on materials and design techniques, helping him understand what works best for each piece while staying true to his sustainability ethos.
Sustainability is more than a trend for Xavier—it’s a core value that permeates every aspect of his work. According to Statista Research Department, the revenue share of sustainable apparel worldwide, which includes upcycled clothing, is projected to grow from 4.3% in 2022 to 6.14% in 2026.
“When I’m using pre-existing garments, everything’s already laid out,” he says. “I’m just taking what it has to offer and putting it in my way.” His commitment to upcycling, the process of repurposing existing materials into new creations, is part of what makes his designs so appealing to a generation of eco-conscious consumers. And as fashion trends increasingly move toward sustainability, Xavier is positioned at the forefront of this movement, proving that style and responsibility can coexist.
In his latest work, Xavier draws inspiration from the world of sports, specifically football, which he describes as having a “die-hard culture.”
“When you think of football, you think of how everybody’s super-excited,” he says. “It’s like a mascot—people want to show they’re part of something bigger, but they also want to look cool doing it.” His limited-edition UT sweatsuit reflects this mentality, combining bold graphics with comfortable silhouettes to create a look that is statement-making and wearable.
Xavier’s collaboration with Meta AI has opened new doors creatively and reinforced his commitment to staying authentic to his vision. “I’ve always been a one-of-one designer,” he explains. “It’s about making an impact with every fit.”
Whether reimagining game-day style or turning upcycled garments into high-fashion pieces, Nigel Xavier is proving that innovation, passion, and purpose can improve the fashion industry. With Meta AI by his side, he’s only just getting started.
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