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Nigel Xavier, a visionary in upcycled fashion and rising star designer, is redefining game-day style with his distinct design approach. In an exclusive interview with Nice Kicks, he shares insights from Meta AI’s “Super Fan” campaign—where technology meets fan culture in a fresh, creative way.
Known for his bold, individualized aesthetic, Nigel brought a unique perspective to college football fandom, crafting a limited-edition sweatsuit for the University of Texas at Austin using Meta AI and the new Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses to capture his process. We dive into his journey, the role of AI in his creative process, and how he’s pushing the boundaries of sports fashion below.
NK – What are some characteristics that all creatives have?
I think creatives share three key traits: individuality, motivation, and intention. Individuality is at the core of what we do—being unafraid to express your unique perspective is what sets you apart. Motivation drives you to keep pushing boundaries, even when things get tough. And intention grounds you, making sure that every piece you create has meaning and purpose.
NK – Fashion is a notoriously tough industry to break into. What challenges have you faced on your journey, and how did you overcome them?
Breaking into fashion was tough, and the biggest challenge early on was funds—I had to make serious sacrifices just to keep reinvesting in my business. But now, with tools like Meta AI, emerging designers can access resources and insights that push creativity without breaking the bank. To get noticed, I leaned heavily on social media, putting out bold, exaggerated pieces to stand out. Networking was key too—asking questions, getting into the right rooms, and staying true to my brand. Once you build a strong identity, people naturally gravitate toward your work.
NK – How do you handle creative blocks? Are there certain rituals or activities that help you get back into the flow?
When I hit a creative block, the best thing I can do is step away for a minute. I give myself time to think, clear my head—whether it’s going to the movies, grabbing a bite to eat, or just taking a break. Inspiration can come from anywhere, even watching interviews or other mediums of art. One of the most effective things for me, though, is to create without intention—just experiment. Sometimes the process of trying something new without any pressure leads me to breakthroughs in my designs. And tools like Meta AI help spark that experimentation, allowing me to visualize new ideas instantly, which gets the creative juices flowing again
NK – How do you overcome self-doubt?
Self-doubt is natural, but I rely on my close friends and family to help pull me out of those moments. They’re my support system, and they know how to lift me up. I also look back at the obstacles I’ve already overcome and the accomplishments I’ve achieved. When I reflect on how far I’ve come—even during times of doubt—it reminds me that I’m capable of pushing through.
NK – What excites you most about the future of fashion? Any emerging trends or technologies that you think will shape the industry?
AI, for sure. I think AI is going to play a massive role in shaping the future of fashion. It’s like having a creative assistant at your fingertips—whether it’s helping you brainstorm, visualize designs, or even track emerging trends. For me, Meta AI has been a huge help in streamlining my creative process, especially when I’m working on something as detailed as upcycled designs. The possibilities AI opens up are endless, and I think it’s going to help the industry not only be more efficient
NK – Are you fearful of how rapid technology is advancing?
I’m not fearful at all. To me, the rapid advancement of technology, especially in fashion, expands what’s possible. Tools like Meta AI don’t replace creativity—they enhance it. They give us solutions in real time, which allows designers like myself to focus on pushing the boundaries. It’s about using these advancements to our advantage and staying ahead of the curve.
NK – How has the rise of short-form content creation played a part in your career and how much time is spent focusing on creating content?
Short-form content has been instrumental in my career. It’s how I’ve been able to get my designs out to a broader audience and connect with other creatives, brands, and fans. It’s like having an evolving portfolio that anyone can access, anywhere. Creating content is half the battle in growing a fashion business. Platforms like Instagram make it easy to share my work and tell the stories behind my designs. Meta AI also helps by brainstorming post ideas and captions, making it easier to create engaging content without spending hours on it—letting me focus more on the creative side.
NK – What has been your go-to tool for content creation and in what ways has it helped?
Instagram, hands down. It’s been a game-changer for me because it’s so accessible and allows me to share my work instantly with people all over the world. I use it not just to showcase my designs but also to build my brand’s story. With Meta AI integrated into my Instagram, I’m able to take things even further by optimizing my creative process and making my content even more engaging for fans.
NK – What article of clothing do you start with when crafting an outfit?
It depends on what I’m missing, but I usually start with the top. It’s the first thing people notice—it’s closest to someone’s face, and it sets the tone for the whole look. I like to make sure the top makes a statement, and then I build the rest of the outfit around it.
NK – You customize many of your sneakers, what are some of your favorite sneakers to wear?
I’ve been really into boots lately, but when it comes to sneakers, Nike and Jordans have always been my go-to. I grew up on them, and they’ve been a constant in my wardrobe. There’s a timelessness to them that always resonates with me, no matter what new trends come and go.
NK – Is there any specific sneaker brand you’re interested in working with on a shoe?
Definitely Nike and Jordan. Those brands have been part of my personal style journey for as long as I can remember, so collaborating with them on a shoe would be a full-circle moment for me.
