Kaliano Romeo
It seems inevitable that many artists eventually find themselves drawn to the world of fashion. In my own creative evolution, I have followed this path, weaving together visual aesthetics, cultural commentary, and the tactile precision of design. My initial foray into the fashion world began during my time in the Fine Art program at the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles—an institution renowned not only for its artistic rigor but also for its vibrant, interdisciplinary community.
At Otis, I found myself deeply fascinated by the students in the Fashion Design program. Their energy, creativity, and relentless work ethic were palpable. Many of the most stylistically captivating individuals on campus were enrolled in fashion, and their presence was magnetic. Late into the night, the dormitories echoed with the hum of sewing machines, the rustle of fabrics, and the sounds of collaborative innovation. While I was immersed in the contemplative world of fine art, where creative inspiration is often solitary and introspective, the world of fashion offered a dynamic, externally responsive rhythm that intrigued me profoundly.
Highlight
Kaliano Romeo is a swimwear and couture brand I launched in Los Angeles circa 2006.
We have a lot of fun shooting bikini photo and video shoots every summer.
“I have had the honor of launching the careers of many models, actresses, and video vixens in our shoots.” — Devin Lockett
The Fashion School at Otis operated on a professional cadence that mirrored the demands of the global fashion industry. Students were expected to conceptualize, design, and execute complete collections for all four seasons—spring, summer, fall, and winter—within a single academic year. This rigorous pace, far removed from the more fluid timelines of fine art, impressed upon me the discipline, stamina, and pragmatism required to thrive in the fashion world. It was an education in momentum and precision, one that planted the seeds for my later ventures.
Years later, I revisited this fascination with fashion through the development of my own brand, Kaliano Romeo. Originally conceived as an experimental project in integrated design and marketing, Kaliano Romeo quickly evolved into a full-fledged fashion label. The brand was a synthesis of my artistic sensibilities and entrepreneurial instincts, refined through hands-on exposure to every dimension of the Los Angeles fashion industry.
From fabric sourcing in downtown L.A.'s textile district, to working with local sweatshops and boutique pattern makers, to coordinating with sample producers and stylists—I immersed myself fully in the operational ecosystem. Each stage provided insights into the balance of creativity and commerce that defines the fashion business. The launch of Kaliano Romeo’s first swimwear and loungewear collection was met with unexpected enthusiasm, particularly among aspiring models and actresses who saw the brand as an opportunity to showcase their talent and presence.
One of the most enduring traditions of the Kaliano Romeo brand has been our annual summer photo and video shoots on the sun-drenched beaches of Southern California. These productions are more than mere promotional exercises; they are creative collaborations that blend fashion, photography, cinematography, and storytelling. Each shoot captures not only the beauty of our designs but also the personalities of the models who bring them to life.
Over the years, these shoots have served as launchpads for the careers of numerous models and actresses, many of whom received their first professional exposure through our lens. In doing so, we’ve fostered a community that celebrates diversity, ambition, and creative risk-taking. Our visual narratives reflect the energy, sensuality, and sophistication of contemporary coastal fashion, set against the backdrop of California’s iconic seascapes.
As we continue to evolve, the Kaliano Romeo brand remains open to fresh talent and new perspectives. We invite aspiring models, content creators, and fashion professionals who share our passion for artistry and innovation to connect with us. Participation in our seasonal shoots offers not just visibility, but the opportunity to become part of a living, breathing artistic movement that fuses fine art, fashion, and cultural storytelling.
Invitation to collaborate.
If you are interested in modeling for Kaliano Romeo or collaborating in any other capacity, please reach out to us via the contact form below or send an email to info@kalianoromeo.com.
