NAME: ROBERT JAMES
Degree: Textiles in clothing/ product development
Year of Graduation: 2001
Occupation: Menswear designer and owner of brand and studio/boutique By Robert James
From: Troy, Ohio
Inspiration: Strong, passionate, talented people
What is something that you learned at OSU that has helped you accomplish your goals: I learned to put work before pleasure and to be dedicated to something you love. Here was my little secret…I used to get all my work done at the library before I went home because I knew I would get distracted at my house. Everyone always wondered how I got stuff done. I also took from OSU a strong sense of camaraderie that I instill in my brand today. By Robert James is an inclusive brand. Everyone is welcome!
Two Sides: I’m a menswear designer who loves fashion and am also a HUGE football fan. GO BUCKS! I have a TV in the back of my shop and watch the Buckeyes play every Saturday.
Childhood Ambition: To become a comedian
Fondest Ohio State Memory: The Pink Floyd concert at the ‘Shoe
Soundtrack: Nothing Shocking: Jane’s Addiction, Andy Warhol - Velvet Underground
Wildest Dream: I’m living it
Proudest Moment: Opening my menswear studio/boutique By Robert James in New York before I turned 35 (www.byrobertjames.com)
Biggest challenge: Overcoming my limitations
Perfect day: Starts and ends with people you love
First job: Mowing the lawn for neighbors, paper route, picking corn at Fulton’s Farm in Troy, Ohio
Indulgence: Live Music
Favorite movie: Stripes
Advise: Follow your passion and with it will come happiness and from that will come wealth
My membership: "Ohio State University Alumni Club of Greater New York"
Prized Possession: My dog, Lola
Embarrassing Moment: My fourth grade Halloween costume. I was a Roman soldier and didn’t have any pants on. I took a paper bag and made the leather skirt for the Roman soldier costume. I just had that on with my briefs on. I thought it was so cool and on point for the costume, but my teacher made me put my pants on.
Skill I wish I had: Remember peoples’ names better
Favorite TV Show: Sports Center, Meet the Press, Kitchen Nightmares
Admire: Yohji Yamamoto’s design skills
Favorite artist (any discipline): Yohji Yamamoto
Best Gift Ever: My dad got me a BMX
Unusual Talent: I can talk like Donald Duck
Biggest Fear: Failure
Favorite Book: Breakfast of Champions, Kurt Vonnegut
My Motto: Work hard, Play hard
