Meet Rio Coleman | Fashion designer/Stylist/Model

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

Hi Rio, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
At my core, the people who love and support me make me happy. Beyond that, it’s music, money, and fashion.

Music makes me feel free and at ease. I love to dance—it helps me reconnect with my innermost self. You’ll often find me at music events and raves around Atlanta.

Having enough money changed my way of thinking, now I feel like I have plenty instead of not enough. I’m thankful for what I have and I really feel like I’m doing well.

Fashion is self-expression. It lets me show up visually in a way that feels authentic and true to who I am.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I take pride in craftsmanship and attention to detail. I’m heavily inspired by Japanese fashion and its subgenres—Visual Kei, Gyuaro—with themes of avant-garde. I create by what I call the rule of three: punk, sexy, and chic. Some designs may seem simple on the surface, but it’s all about the details, the structure, the silhouette. Especially in the pants I make. That’s where the magic lives.

I’m currently a student at Georgia State University studying psychology. I’ve always been emotionally intelligent, and I chose psychology because I wanted to help myself and others understand who we are in order to heal and evolve. That same instinct carries into my fashion. It’s all connected.

I used to be in a job that I really didn’t like, it was sales and it was all about making cold calls and getting commission checks, just the whole routine was exhausting. But then something changed, my sister gave me this book called The Book of Self Realization and it completely opened my eyes. I realized that I was spending all my time and energy on things that were sucking the life out of me, and I knew I had to make a change and start focusing on myself. So I started creating, and it’s crazy because it’s only been less than a year and I’m already seeing the impact it’s having. That’s what I’m most proud of, the fact that I’ve been able to make a difference in such a short amount of time.

It wasn’t easy. Leaving stability behind was scary. But I’ve learned that a job shouldn’t change who you are. I’ve also learned to take criticism with a grain of salt and to always pour back into yourself. My impact hasn’t come from forcing things—it flows in waves. Effort, but not so much that I’m trying too hard. That balance has been everything.

I want the world to know that the rule of three—punk, sexy, chic—is going to change the alternative fashion scene. The underlying theme of everything I do is alchemy: destroy, transmute, rebuild.

I’m just a regular guy from the Southside of Atlanta, still working on myself and trying to be the best version I can be. I believe in being open to new ideas and collaborating with others – it’s a big part of how I’ve grown so far. My journey’s been a testament to the fact that when you focus on building yourself up, you can create something truly meaningful. It’s all about taking that first step and investing time in your own personal development – the results can be pretty amazing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I were planning a week-long trip in Atlanta for my best friend, this is exactly how we’d do it.
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Our first day is going to be so much fun – let’s start with a big breakfast at Gut Busters if we’re in the mood for something really tasty, or we could go to Thumbs Up Diner for some good old comfort food where we can just sit back and relax. After we eat, we’ll take a walk on the Beltline, enjoy the scenery and get some exercise. Then, we’ll go thrifting – we can check out some stores near Ponce at 2nd Street, or head to Midtown and visit Out the Closet. Later, we’ll grab some drinks at Colony Square, sit by the water, and just chat about everything. We might even see some geese! If we’re feeling creative, we could do a sip and paint event. For dinner, let’s try a revolving sushi spot – that sounds like a blast. And to top off the night, we’ll go to a Twisted Lines event. It’s going to be an amazing day!

> **Day 2 – Art & Nightlife:** Day two is the High Museum of Art. After that, a nice brunch spot with espresso martinis. Then we’d hit a streetwear market to shop, grab lunch at Hawkers, and go out to El Malo.

On our third day, we’re heading to the Southside – it’s going to be a blast! First things first, we need to get our grillz on, you know, to get into the vibe. Then, we’re off to Crab Pot for a seafood boil bag – I’m talking all the seafood goodness, and we’re going to devour it all! After that, we’ll head back to the city, to Krog Street Market, where we’ll grab some drinks and take in the amazing rooftop view – it’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind. And to cap off the night, we’ll hit up Club Domain – it’s going to be a night to remember!

> **Day 4 – Music & Games:** Next day, we’d start at Cinnaholic at Believe Music Hall, then food at Atlanta Breakfast Club. We’d go to Activate Games to have fun and compete a little, chill out at Piedmont Park, then head to Truth in Midtown.

On the fifth day, we’d start with a hike on the Cobb County trail, getting some exercise and enjoying the scenery. After working up an appetite, we’d head to the Battery at Wahlburgers for lunch – their burgers are always a treat. Once we’re refreshed, we’d stop by Battle & Brew, a great spot to relax and have some fun. Later that night, we’d catch a concert at the Coca-Cola Roxy, maybe Lucki or UnoTheActivist would be performing, which would be amazing. To keep the party going, we’d end the night at Club Revel, dancing the night away. It would be an unforgettable day, with a mix of outdoor adventure, good food, and great music.

> **Day 6 – Speed & Luxury:** Last full day: brunch, then race Porsche cars at the track. After that, Lenox to shop and look around. Grab drinks on a rooftop for happy hour, then go out to Lounge & Groove, then hit Underground Atlanta.

The best part of being in Atlanta is when we get to experience the huge festivals at Piedmont Park – it’s like the whole city comes alive. If we’re lucky, we’ll get to spend the day soaking up the atmosphere, with great music, delicious food, and amazing people all around us. It’s the perfect way to see Atlanta at its best, and it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

What I love about this city isn’t just the popular spots – it’s the vibe, the Vibe, the energy that’s all around us. You know, the artists, the musicians, the underground events, the festivals – all the things that make a city feel alive. And then there are the hidden gems, the places that only us locals know about, where the real magic happens. Atlanta’s got a special kind of magic that you can’t plan for, it just happens. So, I make sure my friends get to experience it the way I do, you know, like a true local.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a big thank you to my amazing aunts – Tawanna, Porche, Jalisa, and Kawanis – and my incredible Nana Bonita. Each of them was there for me in their own special way. Some of them opened their homes to me when I needed a place to stay, while others gave me the tough love I needed to hear, even when it was hard to listen. But what really mattered was that they all made sure I never felt like I was going through anything by myself – they were always there to support me, no matter what.

I want to give a shoutout to The Science of Self Realization – it was a total game-changer for me. My sister handed it to me during a really tough time, when I was feeling stuck in a sales job that was sucking the life out of me. I mean, who loves making cold calls and living off commission checks? It was a grind, and I was exhausted. But then I read that book, and something just clicked. It helped me find my energy again, and I felt like I was reborn.

This experience was a real wake-up call for me, it made me see that I was putting all my energy into a job that wasn’t making me happy. I realized it was time to focus on myself and do something that truly fulfilled me. That’s when I discovered my passion for fashion. Now, I’m designing clothes that help people feel as confident and authentic as I do when I’m wearing my own creations – it’s an amazing feeling, like I can be my true self, bold and unapologetic.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rioxsosa/

Other: TikTok/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rioxsosa?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits
image credit to Jennifer Van @ j5nwrld on instagram