The small town of Gaffney in upstate South Carolina felt too small for dreamer Darrel Kevin Damille Stamper. Prior to the launch of his brainchild, American luxury streetwear label, TRVST LABS, Darrel, now known as TRVST, has always envisioned his own brand on Rodeo Drive. At the age of 6, TRVST was sketching anime and creating his own type of clothing designs. Growing up, the aspiring multi-hyphenate began researching brands that would serve as his inspiration for bringing his creativity to life. “At the time, I didn’t realize it but I was molding myself into who I am now,” fashion innovator shared.
Being young and brimming with creativity and passion, TRVST was also open to other platforms where he could express his artistic prowess. The fashion pioneer found himself teaming up with recording artist and CEO of Birdz Eye View Productions & Activated Music Empire. Worried, however, that he might settle with becoming a statistic, he decided to join the United States Air Force. TRVST had already been spending six years as a member of the aircrew, serving his country and traveling the world, but his love for fashion was unwavering. He created TRVST LABS while serving in the military in 2015. As his passion project started to gain traction, by 2019, TRVST finally decided to separate from the Air Force to pursue his first love.
TRVST enrolled at Southern Wesleyan University and, through hard work and determination to succeed, earned his bachelor’s degree in business. It was when he started receiving co-signs from social media influencers such as Einerbankz that TRVST finally saw his dreams come true. The sudden virality led to TRVST LABS selling out its second and third collection. Driven by a renewed sense of confidence, TRVST knew that it was time for him to spread his wings and fly. South Carolina was home, but he had bigger dreams.
In 2021, TRVST was accepted into the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, a prestigious fashion school located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. TRVST knew that the City of Angels is already saturated with a lot of creative talent, and in order for a South Carolinian native to stand out, he had to be unforgettable. Instead of following the standard application process of submitting an essay and a portfolio, the fashion virtuoso showcased a commercial filmed by his friend, Bash-Benzo, for his brand in Atlanta, Georgia. This unconventional course of action led him to receiving an acceptance call from the dean.
Shortly after being enrolled into fashion school, TRVST decided to drop out of enrollment in 2022 to finally pursue his brand full-time. He would later reconnect with his former partners Mondoe2xx and Birdz Eye View Productions and discuss the remarkable vision he foresaw for TRVST LABS. TRVST LABS was built on the fashion entrepreneur’s personal experiences, and as a former dreamer from a small town, he knows how teenagers and young adults are always looking for ways to express themselves. TRVST empathizes with the mental health community and admits that he has been in similar rough patches before.
“We know there’s light at the end of the tunnel and we have to ‘TRVST’ that we can overcome,” he shared.
Bearing this mantra, TRVST delivers unparalleled energy to the fashion industry through his passion and dedication. For him, his team, and his supporters, TRVST LABS signifies “trust,” dedication, and pursuit of success while bringing luxury streetwear to its forefront. So far, TRVST LABS’ Los Angelean aesthetics has caught the attention of industry icons, from music artists and songwriters to producers, such as Midwxst, Daniel Church, the late Young Dolph, Einerbankz, and Psymun.
The bold and daring entrepreneur is confident that this will be the start of the pinnacle of luxury streetwear. “I see TRVST LABS as a headlining streetwear brand with a storefront on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Nothing will be easy, but you have to ‘TRVST’ in yourself that you can do it!”
TRVST has quite a big year ahead of him. TRVST LABS trucker hats and hoodie collection is scheduled to release early May. In Summer 2022, the luxury brand is also set to release its highly anticipated luxury TRVSTPACKS and their shorts collection. In Fall 2022, TRVST will also be launching their first women’s line that will include exclusive content in its packaging. To stay up to date with what’s in store for TRVST, TRVST LABS will be broadcasting news and updates throughout all media outlets, including Youtube, Instagram, and Tiktok.
