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The Shade Room’s newest show, The Shady Brunch has us ready to tune in with our popcorn every Wednesday. Judge on the hit show is celebrity fashion stylist, Andre’ Hammonds – who really doesn’t need an introduction. In the world of fashion, he’s an icon making his mark but aside from that, he’s ensuring he is using his platform to help others. We recently had a chance to chat with Hammonds to discuss everything from his experience so far on The Shady Brunch to his annual fashion show that gives back.

Tell us how you got started in the world of fashion.

My professional journey in fashion started with my matriculation at Tennessee State University where I studied fashion merchandising. During that time, I started exploring the ideal of commercial and print modeling. After a successful run in Tennessee booking campaigns for bridal, tech, and other companies I decided to make the leap to Los Angeles. While working my traditional job as a retail manager, I met a fashion stylist who invited me to intern with him on a shoot. From that point I secured my first client, recording artist Diamond formerly of Crime Mob who was filming a reality show in LA. Through working with Diamond, I was afforded the opportunity to appear on camera as her stylist and be featured on the show.

Can you tell us about your experience as a judge on The Shade Room’s new show, The Shady Brunch?

Recently I was booked as a judge on The Shade Room’s newest digital series “The Shady Brunch”. The show features 12 amazing chefs from all across the nation who come to show off their skills by creating brunch dishes using shady ingredients for the judges table to try and offer our critique better known as “Shade”. The series is an amazing fun and lighthearted show, which at its core is a competition between the best of the best. I was able to taste some amazing dishes and throw some fun shade at the chefs that didn’t quite meet the bar! “The Shady Brunch” airs every Wednesday at 3pm PST via The Shade Room’s official Instagram and Facebook Watch. 

You also competed on the CW series “The Look: All Stars,” How would you describe that experience?

My experience competing on the CW’s “The Look: All Stars” was an amazing opportunity to highlight myself as an expert in the fashion industry. During the course of the show, beauty industry professionals from hair, makeup, and fashion compete head-to-head offering two full makeovers for deserving individuals. Having my work be seen in front of major celebrities such as Patrick Star, alongside my equally talented peers was an experience I hold dear. 

photo by Cassandra Plavoukus

Can you give us insight into your annual fashion show that benefits cancer foundations?

My charity fashion show “Slay the Runway” was my effort to honor those that have struggled with or lost their battle to breast cancer. We donated a portion of the proceeds to a foundation that provides support to those fighting this horrific disease. In 2013 I lost my mother, Glenda Hammonds to breast cancer which made this endeavor very personal to me. Seeing the effects of breast cancer on the individuals and families is something I can truly relate to. It brings me peace to know I am doing work that continues the legacies of those lost, especially my own mother. 

What are you currently working on and what can we expect to see from you in 2021?

2020 though challenging was an amazing year for me. I was able to continue to solidify myself as a working costume designer working on a number of projects set to air later this year. My online store Shop HEM which offers clothing and accessories has been growing rapidly and we’re excited for the launch of our latest collection. Most notably I joined the cast of the top LGBTQ web-based docuseries Chasing Reality: Chasing LA which follows the lives young creatives striving to make a name for themselves. All in all, I’m hoping that 2021 will be another amazing year of forward progression both personally and professionally.

photo by Kylie Charles

For more on Andre’ Hammonds, follow him on Instagram today!

 

 

Featured Image by Johnny Elizalde