Thee Don: Redefining wardrobe styling
By Widnise Vilna
There are good outfits, and then there are looks. Orlando native Sandler Fleurima is a proud alumnus of Florida A&M University (FAMU), carving a distinctive niche in the fashion industry with his business Styled By Hennessy. Renowned for his phenomenal approach to wardrobe styling, Fleurima's journey from a young boy drawn to fabrics to a sought-after creative director and model coach is a testament to his passion and creativity.
Sandler Fleurima, Founder and CEO of Styled By Hennessy. Photo courtesy of @StyledByHennessy on Instagram
"Ever since I was a little boy, fashion has always been my escape," Fleurima reflects. "I remember being fascinated by colors, fabrics, and designs, finding solace in the world of style." This early fascination blossomed into a career at the age of 12, when he started a bowtie business. This venture refined his eye for fashion and laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial spirit and creative capacity. Fleurima's transition from crafting bow ties to becoming a creative director was a natural progression, driven by his ever-growing love for fashion. Over the years, he has seamlessly navigated various roles within the industry, each experience further cementing his belief that fashion is a profound form of self-expression.
Drawing inspiration from fashion icons like Kollin Carter (kollincarter), J Bolin( J Bolin), and Law Roach(luxurylaw), Fleurima admires their loud and unconventional creativity.
"Their unique tastes in fashion are evident through how they style their clients," he says. "Each outfit they put together tells a story and reflects a distinct personality, something I strive to achieve in my work as well."
Fleurima's expertise lies in his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to transform simple outfits into memorable looks through thoughtful accessorizing.
"Taking an outfit to a look is all about the accessories and attention to detail."
By harmonizing colors, textures, and proportions, Fleurima ensures that every element of an ensemble complements the others, creating a polished and striking appearance.
One of the emerging trends that excites Fleurima is themed concerts. "I love the idea of concert themes because it allows everyone to express themselves through their fashion, but within a unified concept," he shares.
Styled By Hennessy’s take on looks for Megan Thee Stallion’s Hot Girl Tour (left) and Ciara, Busta Rhymes, and Missy Elliott’s Out of This World Tour (right).
This trend transforms concerts into immersive, communal experiences where fans can showcase their creativity, making the event not just about the music, but also about visual expression and collective identity. Fleurima's work with his "HennDolls" for concert looks is a prime example of his innovative approach. According to Fluerima, known to some as Hennessy, his inspiration while creating these concert looks was drawn from his “love for standing out and being different." Each outfit he designs is bold, unique, and memorable, reflecting both his distinctive artistic vision and the individual style of each performer.
Fleurima remains humble when discussing the best-dressed artists in music today. "It's tough to say who is the best dressed in music right now because I believe that fashion is beauty through all lenses," he muses. However, he acknowledges the standout styles of artists like Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, and Beyoncé, whose wardrobes embody boldness and innovation. Looking to the future, Fleurima dreams of styling for a hit reality TV show or an international project. "The dynamic and diverse nature of these settings offers endless opportunities to showcase my creativity and adaptability," he says. Such opportunities would allow him to craft standout looks that cater to various scenes and cultures.
In addition to his creative direction and model coaching, Fleurima is one of the most sought-after grad shoot stylists. His ability to capture the essence of an individual's personality and translate it into stunning visuals makes him a favorite among graduates looking to commemorate their achievements in style. Sandler Fleurima's journey is a remarkable blend of passion, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. His work showcases his talent and belief in fashion as a powerful form of self-expression. Fleurima is undoubtedly taking wardrobe styling to new heights as he continues to inspire and innovate.
Head to Instagram to check out all of the looks Sandler styled for our Summer Concert Lookbook series!
