Fashion is Intimidating... But Is It?

My relationship with the fashion industry has always been sordid. The very first fashion show I ever did was for Escada at the Ritz Carlton in Atlanta, GA. It was terrifying for a young guy that grew up on a farm. But once I was baptized by fire, the shows became my addiction! The culture became my tribe, and the language of fashion over time was as clear to me as a seasoned designer.

I worked with amazing houses like Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and Armani, mostly in Atlanta and LA. Big designers don't really "do" cities outside of the world's fashion capitals, so I rarely got excited by the larger names. For me, the rock stars were designers like Wayne Van Nguyen, Fashion for Freedom, Frankie B, Terri King, David Cardona and Frederick's of Hollywood that stuck deep in my memory. The designers were involved, and if we're being honest, that's the greatest feeling—to be a part of a true creative's journey.

The truth is that all of these shows left an undeniable mark that showed me what each designer was trying to convey, who their client was, and what their support system looked like. The most epic was Kimberly Stewart with Fashion for Freedom. Yes, her father Rod was there along with literally dozens of famous rock stars, actors and models! Once you've learned the language of style, I swear to you the industry becomes just that...an industry.

Now I want to take that feeling global.

This is exactly why Narssica works: I've lived both sides of fashion—the intimidating luxury establishment and the passionate emerging designer ecosystem. I understand the psychology of aspiration, the thrill of discovery, and most importantly, how to make fashion feel accessible without losing its magic. That farm kid who was terrified at his first Escada show? He's the same person who can spot authentic creative energy from a mile away and knows how to build bridges between worlds.

The Narssica platform isn't just about selling clothes—it's a way to help others find their style, their tribe and making the language of fashion work telling their story. Because in the end, anyone can dress you but only a visionary can see you. This visionary happened to grow up on a farm and that's probably why I was always so grateful for that sense of belonging in a place that I never dreamed would include me.

FAQ's You Didn't Know You Need To Know!

Because apparently everyone's a critic when you're building the future...

Q: "You want me to market Givenchy directly next door to digital fast fashion?" - Fashion Executive

A: Here's the reality about Narssica that most fashionistas won't see until that truck runs over them. The closet is the prime real estate for your demographic. Imagine this...unless you play Narssica with your grandmother, you are never going to see inside a closet that isn't meant for you. Will you see Evangelyne's couture gown drop or flash mob promo? Absolutely - this is a fashion-based IP. But will any of that be in your closet? If you're fabulous it will be. If you're not, then there's a chance you'll see our privately branded fast fashion...and if we're comparing that to shopping on Amazon...well...there is no comparison. Even that will be far superior.

Q: "Why Narssica Lite? Isn't that just compromise?" - Content Strategist

A: No one is more "in your face" than James Gardner when it comes to my lifestyle and core beliefs. But let's face it - Narssica deals with topics that aren't readily accepted everywhere or appropriate for all ages. By letting the parents, the government, or the region decide, I am getting to have influence on my terms. Not the other way around. As a child I remember always loving comedian Rip Taylor. Was I a gay introvert drawn to a gay comedian even as a child? Or was I always me? My point is that Narssica Lite is still Narssica...she's still going to be a lifeline for gay and lesbian youth. By controlling the narrative, I am able to do way more than leaving that up to censors.

Q: "How do you maintain narrative consistency across platforms?" - Transmedia Consultant

A: The secret isn't consistency - it's complementarity. The game reveals Narssica's skills, the animation reveals her soul. Players who only game get a complete experience. Viewers who only watch get a complete experience. But those who do both? They get the full mythology. There are deeper layers we haven't even discussed yet... Those who engage across all platforms will discover there's more to this mythology than meets the eye.

Q: "How do you plan to get brands with cultural relevance to play? This is no easy task." - Business Development Executive

A: It may take years...or it may only take a phone call from the right person. That's why I think strategic partnerships with established players who already have those relationships might be more efficient than building from scratch. There are some interesting models in traditional media that could translate beautifully to this space.

Q: "Why the monochromatic chromatism thing?" - Art Director

A: That's interesting that you ask. Chromatism is not new - it's been used in everything from political advertising to social media hacks. But it's kind of new to gaming. So we want the thrill of gameplay to be as emotional as it is exhilarating. Also, this style of art leaves so much to play with from the YouTube series, to game artwork, to the whole entire fashion marketing trend.

Q: "Can you do this entire thing without a major Chinese player?" - Strategic Investor

 A: We can work with any fashion city that delivers quality. I prefer starting with one city to give Narssica a cohesive and "signature" look - whether that's Shanghai, Lagos, or Bangalore. Once we prove the model works, we expand to the best design houses worldwide. Each Iconic gets matched with which ever designer that does their style best. Simple as that. The platform's versatility and influence is only limited by our imaginations.