MA Exclusive: Nate Pennington on Crafting Identity Through Fashion

Q: Everyone has a story that best encapsulates their life to this very moment, what would you say is your story?

A:  My story, like everyone else’s, has been full of highs and lows. My journey into fashion began later than most— after high school—at a time when I was at my lowest. I’d always felt deep down that I was meant for something creative, but it wasn’t until I hit rock bottom, living in my best friend’s garage with no job or direction, that I decided to go to fashion school. That was the first defining moment in my journey.

The second was my experience in fashion school, where I earned my degree in Fashion Design and Product Development. While it’s true you can succeed in fashion with or without a degree, for me, school provided a vital community of like-minded people who motivated me, as well as the structure to develop discipline, set goals, and grow in unexpected ways.

​

The third defining moment was my move to New York. It felt like everything had come full circle - living in the big city I’d always dreamed of even before wanting to be in fashion, making my move here a powerful reminder that this is where I’m meant to be. Looking back, I see how God placed me in difficult situations to teach me resilience and growth. I’ve learned that failure is just redirection— another reason to keep going. Curiosity fuels me to adapt and grow in this ever-changing world and industry. If I had one piece of advice for creatives, it’s this: be adaptable. It’s the key to thriving, no matter what challenges come your way.

 

Q: You recently moved to New York City from Texas, what inspired the move and what has that process been like thus far?

A:  I always dreamed of living in New York. Even before I knew I wanted to be in fashion, as a kid I always wanted to be around where stuff was happening. Plus I’ve always had a taste and interest for the history of New York and it’s roots and culture. From the moment I’ve arrived here it’s felt like the perfect connection, there’s ups and downs, hardships and fear. But those are the things that excite me. They grow my faith, push me, and help me realize that I’m capable of anything. It’s called The City of Dreams for a reason and now being a resident I can truly say i understand why. What’s so exciting is that it’s just beginning.

​

Q: You describe yourself as a Fashion Designer, when did your fashion journey begin?

A:  I had spent my entire life focused on sports, especially baseball, and never considered what would come next. When that chapter ended abruptly, I had no direction and felt like my world had caved in. But I’ve always believed I was meant to do something big. During that year of uncertainty, I reflected deeply on who I was and who I wanted to become. That’s when I reconnected with my creative side—art, film, and especially fashion, which had always been a quiet passion of mine. I loved dressing differently, even when it made me stand out or face criticism. Looking back at it I may now know why people would criticize some of my outfit choices, cause they’re we’re definitely some bad ones! But hey I tried to be different and sometimes not every outfit hits like you think it does in the moment haha! I remember being in 3rd grade and cutting up my Levi’s denim jacket cause I wanted it to be unlike any other Denim jacket anyone else had.

When I decided to try sewing, my grandparents gifted me a sewing machine, and it immediately sparked something in me. With my parents’ support, I found a fashion school in Dallas, and everything fell into place. One week I was living in my best friend’s garage with no purpose, and the next, I was enrolled in fashion school, ready to pursue this newfound passion. Looking back, it all happened exactly as it was meant to.

​

Q: What is your design style? How would you describe your brand?
A:  My design philosophy is deeply rooted in my diverse interests. I believe that having a wide range of passions keeps inspiration alive and allows creativity to flow naturally. What truly shapes you as a designer is your unique perspective on life, built from your personal experiences and journey. Which, there’s something profoundly beautiful about that. I’m drawn to experimenting with silhouettes and challenging norms by transforming the unconventional into the conventional. For my brand, I’m currently exploring various techniques and styles, embracing the process of discovering myself as a creative. At its core, my work is about creating what feels authentic to me. I really love blending styles together from different time periods I do this because I genuinely love it, and what excites me most is the continuous journey of self-discovery and growth in my creative process.

​

Q: What is your VN story? How did you learn about the community and how did you get involved?
A: It’s kind of crazy how I got involved with the VN community. I’d only been in New York for about three months, completely stuck and trying to figure out my path, when my only friend in the city invited me to a jazz club in Harlem. While waiting for the show to start, a woman asked to join our table. As we chatted, I shared a bit about myself and why I moved to New York. It turns out that woman was Vuyo Joboda, the CEO of the VN Network. She found my story interesting and mentioned her show where she interviews guests about their journeys. The next morning, I received a formal email inviting me to be on the show. At first, I doubted myself—thinking I wasn’t important or interesting enough—but after some reflection, I realized this was the kind of opportunity I needed to embrace. When I finally went on the show, I had an amazing conversation with Vuyo, and we really connected. Shortly after, she invited me to discuss further opportunities within the VN community, and it’s been destiny ever since. Now, Vuyo and I have built a strong relationship and a growing team at the network. I’m so thankful for her unwavering support and the incredible work she puts into VN. She’s the most inspiring young entrepreneurs I’ve ever met, and being part of this community has truly been a blessing, giving me a sense of home here in New York.

​

Q: What projects can we expect from you in 2025?

A:  I’m really looking forward to 2025 as my first full year in New York. The opportunities here feel endless, which is a big reason why I made the move. So far, I have a few exciting projects lined up, including my new show on the VN network, which I’m incredibly proud of. I’m also working on a new collection, a collaboration with an artist friend, and diving deeper into social media to share my work and knowledge with others. Additionally, I’m exploring my interest in film by developing short film ideas connected to my upcoming collection. This year, my focus is on pushing my creative boundaries, honing my skills, and experimenting with new approaches to fashion. It’s shaping up to be an exciting and transformative year!

​

Q: What is the importance of community to you? And who has been in your creative community that has impacted your journey?
A: Community is everything, especially in the creative field. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people not only fuels your inspiration but also provides invaluable support and collaboration. I’ve been fortunate to build an amazing creative community back home in Dallas, particularly with friends I met during my time in fashion school. Some of my professors and staff members also played pivotal roles in my journey. Their encouragement, guidance, and belief in my potential have been instrumental in shaping who I am as a designer today. I’ve also been fortunate to build a small community here in NYC for the brief time I’ve been here. I’m heavily focused on building more relationships here currently.

​

Q: You have shared publicly your relationship with your girlfriend Sky, how has she been instrumental in your journey since you met?
A: I’m beyond thankful and blessed to have Skye by my side on this journey. Being in the creative field together—she’s a dancer pursuing her career in New York while I focus on design—has strengthened our bond. We understand the challenges and excitement of this path, and that shared experience has created a deep connection. Skye is my muse and my why. She pushes me to be better, inspires me creatively, and has helped me discover a softer side of myself I never knew existed Coming home to her provides a sense of peace. I also want to express my gratitude to my parents for their unwavering support and sacrifices, which have brought me to where I am today. Through Skye and my family, I’ve truly learned the importance of unconditional love and having a strong, supportive community—it’s essential for navigating both life and creativity.

​

Q: What advice would you give to creatives who are looking to balance their time to focus on their passions with their relationships?
A: Balancing life as an adult is undeniably challenging, especially in today’s nonstop, hustle-driven society. In any relationship—creative or otherwise—communication and understanding are key. It’s vital to acknowledge that both individuals have separate lives and experiences, and each person deserves to feel heard and valued. Skye and I make it a priority to dedicate time specifically to each other, even if it’s just once a week. Those moments, where we give our full attention to one another, have been essential to the growth of our relationship. Relationships require the same care and effort as careers, if not more, because they’re harder to rebuild if neglected. In truth, those meaningful times with Skye have also fueled my creativity. The feelings and emotions that come from a deep and genuine love spark ideas and inspiration I can’t find anywhere else. That balance has been transformative, both personally and professionally.

​

Q: What would you like your story to be in 20 years from now?

A: Twenty years is a long time, especially when so much can happen in just one year. I’ve learned to take it day by day, embracing every opportunity, and taking risks. Those leaps of faith are often where you strike gold. I hope to still be thriving in fashion, having built a world that not only reflects my creativity and mind but also allows others to feel a part of it and be proud of their connection to it. My goal is to push myself as far as possible, experiment endlessly, and continue evolving as a designer until I can’t anymore. Beyond fashion, I’d love to branch into other creative fields like film—as a director and screenwriter—and explore my passions in the automotive and sports industries. Ultimately, I want to have my hand in all the things I’m passionate about and find success across multiple fields.

​

Q: Bonus Question: What is your favourite movie of all time and why?

A: Apocalypse now is my #1 for now cause i actually rewatched it recently and it fully captures the authentic themes of war and the toll it takes on humanity and the soldiers involved. Diving into the psychological toll it really takes on these young men as the film builds. Coppola is a master at capturing the feeling in a scene and helps you visualize it if you were actually there. He shows the fragility of the mind and the control power really has. The cast was perfect as well with the likes of Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen and Robert Duvall. Harakiri is a very close 2nd though I’ve seen it once 7 years ago and I’ll never forget it, masterpiece.