UL grad is breaking barriers in the world of high fashion; see his designs and help a local cause

From doing fashion shows at the Hilliard Art Museum to making gowns that are on the red carpet at the Emmys, Designer Nathan Walker, known by his brand Romey Roe, is bringing couture to Lafayette.

The Acadiana native, known for his lavish, high-end fashion gowns, will feature his latest collection, Spiritual Opulence, at a fashion show for charity. Couture for a Cause, will be at the Audi of Lafayette from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday.

Special guest Thea Lissi Music Thea Lissi will perform, and a silent auction will held featuring items such as a Taylor Swift guitar and a pair of Dustin Portia shorts. Proceeds from the will help support D.R.E.A.M.S. Foundation of Acadiana.

The nonprofit was created in 2007 by a Lafayette family to create opportunities for children with special needs.

Roe, who specializes in creating high-end tailored gowns to each client’s custom measurements, describes his latest collection as grandeur and energy flowing abundantly for endless healing and riches.

“When I say Spiritual Opulence, what that involves is getting to a higher level of thinking. For me, as a designer, it means to kind of killing that self-doubt and getting on a higher level mentally,” Roe said. “Mental health is so important, especially as an artist because it’s hard trying to control your thoughts and your emotions when trying to produce a project and you are sometimes all over the place.”

Managing self-doubt and staying strong mentally plays a big part in what made Roe who he is today.

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Struggling with being a young, black, gay man, Roe had a passion for cooking and initially went to school to be a chef. Roe said he always had a knack for styling, even playing with his friends at an early age. But it wasn’t until he had an unpleasant experience at a college that he considered a switch in careers.

Before attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Roe attended another Louisiana college that he prefers not to name.

“I was kicked out of my fraternity for being gay,” he said. “When that happened, I decided to leave that university. At the time, I was 18, very young and full of life, so I took that opportunity to search for my dream and leave that chapter behind.”

Roe transferred to UL his sophomore year and discovered its fashion program.

Initially, Roe said, he received a lot of criticism from professors because he didn’t perform as well as other students. Professors told him he needed to “get better or do something else,” he said.

“Going from the trauma of leaving one school to someone screaming that you are not good enough basically shaped my story, my journey and made me flourish,” Roe said.

In his junior year, he said. his style finally emerged when he had to do his first big draping and design project.

“I made a gown for my first show, and that has led into what I still design to this day,” he said.

Roe says he comes from a family with a natural knack for clothing, and he credits his grandmother who made clothes for the family, and his mom who worked in a clothing manufacturing plant for 25 years.

“My inspiration has always come from every person that I meet, and it comes from moments in my life, and my experiences. When I designed my first gown and walked into the room with a model who was about 5-foot-11, all eyes were on her, and it was such a statement.”

It was a moment he said he’ll never forget. But he has set his sights on a bigger stage.

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“Name a famous black American designer, right? You know, that’s very difficult to do.” 

Roe is now designing on a national stage and he believes he is begining to break down barriers and turn some heads. Most recently, he had gowns on the red carpet at the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards.

Actress Liz Fenning, known for her appearance in movies such as “Demise,” “Rumble in the Dark,” and “Kill the Girl,” wore a red silk satin lace and sequin gown designed by Roe.

 “I was so excited and overwhelmed,” he said. “I struggled many ways especially just trying to find my place as young, gay black man but that feeling you get of making something that makes heads turn is something you’ll never forget.” 

But the heart of what he is doing, Roe says, hasn’t changed.

“Through all of this I think I enjoy the most being able to take an idea, like a simple thought, and to make it real. I think that’s so cool. A thing that starts as an idea and to construct it, make it reality, and sharing it with others and it makes them feels good brings me joy,” said Roe.

Being in a position to be able to give back to the place that raised him is also gratifying, he said.

“I am  so ecstatic to help my community shine a light on the D.R.E.A.M. Foundation,” he said. “If I could thank everyone personally I would, but just simply thank you for the love and support. Come out and enjoy the show.”

Tickets for THursday’s show can be purchased at the Dreamfoundationaca.org.