Meet Darryl Bordenave: Fashion Designer & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darryl Bordenave and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darryl, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work life balance can be tough! You have to have mental and self discipline to go to work then come home and work for yourself. In my case its vice versa. I work for myself from home in the morning then I go to work at night to fund my business. I’m really dedicated to my dream and GOD given vision so that keeps me disciplined. Time management is a big factor also. You have to be strict with yourself because you can get so caught up in your that you forget to rest, eat or workout. Your everyday schedule has to be planned out precisely.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Ruckage by Darryl Bordenave is a high end fashion label that seamlessly merges classic, yet edgy designs fused with futurism. We cultivate confidence through design, marketing, and the distribution of premium lifestyle products. Since 2009, Ruckage Design Company has developed an expansive reach across the United States through our distinctive image, ongoing reputation, and brand affiliations. Purposed to create and influence style befitting the unconventional man, Ruckage Design Company serves as a guide for the man who is Bold, Driven, and Purposeful. We stand for the person who has chosen not only to exist but live with destiny and purpose. Ruckage is the fashion label for the virtuoso who is fearless, timeless and classic. I have had the name Ruckage since I was 10 years old. It is truly God given. Since I was a child i have always desired to have a clothing company i just didn’t know how to start one. I am a self taught designer but I did further my education and knowledge in fashion by attending Savannah College of Art & Design. Since then I have taken the entrepreneurial route to pursue my dreams working with celebrities, publications and photographers to promote my brand.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First I would cook for them in my home. I really enjoy cooking and I would prepare them a home cooked meal. Later during the week we would eat at a few of my favorite eateries such as Pappadeaux for some creole cuisine, JR Crickets for the best wings and Bartaco for some awesome Mexican food. Then I would take them to a few art exhibits, museums, lounges and to see some live music. To end the week I would take them to Cascade Skating Rink to skate, dance and enjoy the skating culture of Atlanta.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes I would like to shoutout DeVon Franklin and his book Produced by Faith for getting me through some tough times in my fashion journey. DeVon is always encouraging me personally or indirectly through social media. I also would like to shoutout Bishop Dale C Bronner who is the Bishop of my church and a man I have looked up to since a teenager and someone I aspire to be like. I learn from him on a daily basis about life principals, business and manhood. I appreciate all that he has done for me directly and indirectly through his words and teachings.

Website: www.Ruckage.com
Instagram: @Mr.Ruckage @Ruckage
Linkedin: Darryl Bordenave
Twitter: @darryl_Ruckage
Facebook: Darryl Bordenave Jr.

Image Credits
Model: Augustine Montoya Model: Robert Grant Model: Erik Peterson Model: Brittney Watson Photographer: James L. Young Photographer: Will Sterling