This Super Bowl, watch out for one Virginia native’s custom design
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Sunlight pours through the windows. The rays nearly spotlight the expertly-tailored suit accessorized with a measuring tape slung around a man's shoulders.
He's on the phone, taking an order from his latest customer whose tastes mirror the quiet luxury permeating the East Main Street shop in Richmond. Once again, he has the opportunity to showcase his talents for the world to see.
"When I see my designs on TV, and they say 'Andre Julius', I'm just like, 'That's pretty cool, they're talking about me,'" said Andre McLaughlin.
McLaughlin is the founder and designer behind "Andre Julius," a luxury custom suit brand based in the Commonwealth. He serves clients across Central Virginia and Hampton Roads.
And now, McLaughlin has gained national recognition for outfitting some of the biggest names in television and sports. His designs have been worn on national talk shows, major red carpets and NFL broadcasts.
If you look closely, you'll even spot some of his custom threads at Super Bowl LX on Sunday, Feb. 8.
(Photos: Jakobi Davis/8News)
(Photos: Jakobi Davis/8News)
(Photos: Jakobi Davis/8News)
The Williamsburg native didn’t start his career in fashion. McLaughlin earned a degree in music from Randolph-Macon College, worked as a musician and later spent more than a decade as a police officer, including ten years as a school resource officer.
Along the way, he launched multiple businesses, from a gym to a restaurant and then a marketing company, before discovering his calling in custom suiting.
“I didn’t go to school for fashion," McLaughlin said. "I taught myself everything from the great university of YouTube.”
That self-taught approach led him to create Andre Julius, a brand he says reflects his story of entrepreneurship, faith and perseverance. The Black-owned luxury brand is known for bold designs and meticulous planning.
One pivotal moment came when McLaughlin reached out directly to former NFL safety and ESPN analyst Ryan Clark on social media. Clark responded and soon became one of the brand’s most visible ambassadors.
Today, McLaughlin designs custom looks for Clark, Nate Burleson, Anthony “Booger” McFarland and other high-profile figures, carefully coordinating outfits weeks in advance for nationally televised appearances.
Still, McLaughlin says success hasn’t changed his mindset.
“I’m grateful, but I’m not content,” he said. “There’s always another level.”
For McLaughlin, Black History Month is not just about recognition, but representation.
“I want people to see that a Christian based, Black-owned company can operate at the highest level of luxury,” he said. “And I want to inspire young creatives to take chances, even when they don’t feel ready.”
Despite growing a national profile, McLaughlin says his local clients remain just as important.
“It’s not all about celebrity,” he said. “I love serving the people right here in our community.”
From a police officer with a passion for style to a designer seen on televisions nationwide, McLaughlin’s journey continues stitched together by faith, discipline and a drive to keep pushing forward.
NOTE: A photograph of McLaughlin is currently hanging at Art Works on Hull Street as part of our Honoring Black History exhibit. You can also see sketches of some of his designs. The exhibit runs Friday, Jan. 23, through Saturday, Feb. 21.
