Meet Rio Warner | Stylist, Designer & Creative Director.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rio Warner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rio, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
I’ve always told everyone my life hack is….BE NICE. It’s a pretty simple concept but (especially in the fashion & entertainment industry) it’s more rare than it should be. I’m nice to everyone, I’m pleasant, I help out, I care about being a team and helping out however I can, just be pleasant, be kind…care! It’s shocking how effective it is.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I wear many hats. I started as a clothing designer making costumes for Playboy Mansion parties, went on to work for top designers and stylists doing a lot of hand made one of a kind costumes, opened a store called Glitter Death in Hollywood, I toured with Ariana Grande styling her for a couple years, now I’m launching a Glitter Death Website, have a collection and some collaborations in the works, and staying busy with lots of interesting projects! I’m really inspired by doing creative direction and learning about all sorts of different art techniques, I want To continually learn and grow as an artist. I’m known for my colorful, fun, crazy, shiny, glitter style and I love everything over the top and silly! I’ve learned that being resourceful and a problem solver are my major strong points and crucial in what I do, there are constant road blocks and issues that come up and I stay calm and find solutions. I never let myself get anxious or stressed, because in the end it’s just fashion and art it’s not THAT SERIOUS.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love to show people my hometown Los Angeles from above at a rooftop bar like Mama Shelter in Hollywood or Ace Hotel downtown. I’m into a dive bar vibe too so gotta check out legendary punk bar the Burgandy Room or Jumbos Clown Room. My friend Danny Fuentes has an amazing art gallery/event space called Lethal Amounts downtown that always has the coolest underground art and performances. For fun kitschy gadgets and silly toys you gotta go to Wackos Soap Plant, and for vintage scores the Rose Bowl is always a blast!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d have to say someone who deserves a shoutout from me is the incredibly talented and innovative Michael Schmidt. I started with him as an intern yearssss ago, jumped straight on to help him with jobs for Debbie Harry and Rihanna, and spent a few years working for him, helping out with projects from Cher and Madonna to Britney and Katy Perry. He’s a genius (I mean…he made Gaga’s bubble dress!!) and I have the most respect for him always! Check out his Instagram @michaelschmidtstudios

Instagram: Instagram.com/RioWarner

Image Credits
Chrissa Sparkles