Your Work Won’t Speak for Itself—But You Should.

Personal branding used to feel like a marketing buzzword, something for influencers, CEOs, or people trying to sell you their latest masterclass. It was never a priority for designers, especially in fashion, where the unspoken rule was that the work should speak for itself. But that’s not the world we live in anymore. The truth is, if you’re not owning your narrative, someone else will shape it for you.

I used to believe that being good at what I do would be enough. That if I worked hard and delivered, the right people would notice. But the industry doesn’t work like that. People don’t just invest in talent; they invest in people. They connect with names, faces, and the stories behind the work. And if you’re not telling yours, you’re just another name on a list, another designer in a sea of creatives all trying to stand out.

There was a moment when it clicked for me. I had a meeting where a major project was being assigned, and the decision came down to two designers. One was exceptionally skilled but barely spoke about their work. The other was just as good but he knew how to articulate their vision. He shared his process, his thinking, the “why” behind everything he created. The decision was obvious. And it wasn’t about talent; it was about visibility and connection.

Fashion has always been about connection. Trends, collections, brands, at their core, they’re all about telling a story that resonates. And yet, so many designers still hesitate to apply that same thinking to themselves. They don’t share their process, their insights, or even their opinions. But the people making an impact right now? They’re not just designing; they’re communicating. They’re showing what drives them, what they believe in, what makes their perspective different.

There’s a reason we’re drawn to certain creatives. The ones who give us more than just a finished product. Think about the designers, artists, and brands you admire, they’re not just making things; they’re letting you into their world. They’re shaping conversations, influencing culture, and building something bigger than just clothes on a rack.

The mistake is thinking that personal branding is about self-promotion. It’s not. It’s about clarity. Knowing who you are, what you stand for, and making sure people understand that too. It’s about trust. People buy into people. And in a world that moves this fast, if they don’t know who you are, they’re not going to remember you.

I started making small shifts, talking more openly about my creative process, my inspirations, the realities of working in this industry, and even writing this blog. Not in a calculated, overly curated way, but with honesty. And it changed everything. Because when you show up as yourself, when you let people into your perspective, you’re no longer just another name. You become someone they connect with, someone they want to work with.

Fashion is built on relationships. The right opportunities don’t just come from talent; they come from being part of the conversation. And to do that, you have to be willing to be seen. Not just through the work, but through the thoughts, ideas, and perspectives that shape it.

So, if you’ve ever wondered why some people seem to get ahead faster, why their work gets noticed, why their names keep coming up… it’s because they’re not just designing. They’re showing up. They’re telling their story. And in an industry that thrives on connection, that’s what makes the difference.