Meet Angela Horton, the celebrity stylist who turned heads when she successfully transitioned into launching her own fashion line. With a past in styling some of the most renowned names in Hollywood, Angela’s foray into the fashion industry has proven equally exciting. She spoke to South Florida Digest about her journey and her latest venture: a unique resort-ready swimwear and ready-to-wear collection inspired by her move to Miami.
“I decided to launch my resort collection when I moved to Miami and was so inspired by the lifestyle here,” Angela began. “My Cashmere was too heavy for the climate, so I saw my move to this vibrant city as an opportunity to shift gears into something new.” Her new line quickly garnered attention, with an especially notable nod from fashion mogul Tommy Hilfiger. “Tommy endorsed my collection when I launched the Cashmere in 2005 at Calypso and has been a long time advisor in my steps along the way.”
From hosting pop-ups that tested the waters of her audience’s preferences, Angela tuned into her customers and constructed her collection. Drawing from the everyday beauty that Miami and her Key Biscayne residence offered, her designs echo the vibrancy and grace of the city. “I look out my door to see beautiful scenery and water every day. And through my energy work and meditations, I leave room for things to manifest naturally.”
The fabrics Angela uses in her line are an integral part of her design ethos. Light-weight stretch linens, eyelet material, and her fondness for terry cloth contribute to a comfortable, resort-ready aesthetic. However, it’s her meticulous attention to detail, particularly the fit and tailoring, that sets her collection apart. “In designing all of my pieces, I focused on making garments that all women feel confident wearing, which is, of course, hugely dependent on the right fit and material.”
In a world where sustainable practices are becoming increasingly important, Angela prides her collection on being American-made, utilizing locally sourced European fabrics and recycling excess materials. The challenges of building such a brand in the global market are not lost on Angela, but her commitment to sustainability shows a fashion-forward understanding of the industry’s future needs.
When asked about potential celebrity collaborations or endorsements for her new line, Angela hinted that outreach is planned, saying, “We look forward to finding influential common mindsets for health, beauty, and fashion from the inside out.”
What sets Angela Horton’s brand apart is the timeless appeal of her designs. She credits American designers Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger for inspiring her use of classic silhouettes. “Classic silhouettes will always be in style- no matter the trends of the day- and the pieces in my collection are meant to be those that you can go back to time and time again throughout the years,” she noted.
As for the future, Horton is excited about the possibilities. “Energy work and mindful living is the focus starting our day in the swim and active and moving into classic and sophisticated silhouettes that make you feel like a beautiful woman,” she mused. Angela also expressed an interest in exploring beauty, jewelry, especially diamonds, as well as bags and shoes, hinting that there may be more than just clothing on the horizon for her brand.
Despite her success, Horton remains grounded and ready to inspire others. When asked about advice she would give to aspiring fashion entrepreneurs, she was forthright. “You must have perseverance and integrity to succeed today. Commitment to what you love the most is the key.”
Angela Horton’s journey from celebrity stylist to a trailblazing fashion entrepreneur has been remarkable. Her blend of timeless design with an understanding of her customer’s needs, all underpinned by a sustainable and locally-sourced business model, is testament to her commitment and passion for the fashion industry. There is a unique, authentic voice in the world of fashion, and it’s Angela Horton’s. As she herself put it, “The sky is the limit for Angela Horton, so you’ll want to follow the brand to never miss a collection!”
