How RHUDE and Why Your Social Media Engagement Plan Matters
In the fast-paced world of fashion, RHUDE has become a standout name in luxury streetwear. Founded by Rhuigi Villaseñor, RHUDE is a brand that reflects creativity, perseverance, and hard work. But Rhuigi’s journey to success wasn’t smooth. His story proves that with the right mindset and right social media engagement plan, you can turn even the toughest circumstances into opportunities.
From Humble Beginnings to Fashion Powerhouse
Rhuigi Villaseñor was born in the Philippines in 1992. After political unrest forced his family to move to Los Angeles, Rhuigi faced tough times. His family lived in his aunt’s living room before moving into a one-bedroom apartment.
Unable to speak much English, Rhuigi turned to fashion as a way to connect with people. He paid close attention to style trends, quickly gaining a reputation for his unique fashion sense. In high school, he even hustled by selling vintage clothes and rebranding them to look designer.
But Rhuigi’s real journey began after high school. He worked unpaid at streetwear brands like TISA and interned for Shaun Samson to learn the industry. With no formal fashion training, Rhuigi studied pattern-making and relied on his mother’s sewing skills to build his craft.
The Breakthrough: The Bandana Shirt That Changed Everything
In 2012, Rhuigi created a bandana-print t-shirt that changed his life. When Kendrick Lamar wore the design at the BET Awards, RHUDE exploded. Overnight, Rhuigi earned over $150,000 in sales.
But with no business plan in place, Rhuigi spent most of his earnings on luxury items. The setback forced him to rethink his strategy. He rebranded his line as RHUDE, embracing a blend of luxury and streetwear. His designs started blending American iconography with high-end materials, setting his brand apart.
Learning the Hard Way: Business and Growth
As RHUDE gained momentum, Rhuigi faced a new challenge: scaling his business. When luxury retailer Barneys placed a huge order, Rhuigi hired a cheaper manufacturer to save money. The result? Poor quality pieces that cost him $250,000 in losses.
Instead of compromising, Rhuigi scrapped the entire production and started over. It was a tough lesson, but one that reinforced his commitment to quality.
Building RHUDE’s Identity
Rhuigi’s vision was to merge vintage aesthetics with luxury craftsmanship. RHUDE became known for its sharp tailoring, high-end materials, and unique graphic prints. Collaborations with Puma, Vans, and Thierry Lasry helped push the brand to new heights.
By 2019, RHUDE made its Paris Fashion Week debut. In 2022, Rhuigi was appointed as Creative Director of Bally, a major milestone for an immigrant who once slept on his sister’s couch.
Creating a Strong Community With You Social Media Engagement Plan
Rhuigi’s success wasn’t just about designs — it was about connecting with people. While RHUDE built its name through celebrity endorsements and exclusive releases, Rhuigi understood the power of community.
If you’re looking to build a brand, creating a solid social media engagement plan is key. Here are two actionable steps you can take to connect with your audience and build a strong community like RHUDE:
1. Build a Community Using Discord
Creating a Discord server can be a game-changer for building a loyal following. Discord allows you to create dedicated channels where fans can:
- Discuss your latest product drops
- Share styling tips and ideas
- Provide feedback directly to you
- Connect with other like-minded fans
To start:
- Create different channels for specific topics (e.g. product updates, style inspiration, general chat)
- Host exclusive events like Q&A sessions, giveaways, or behind-the-scenes reveals
- Assign moderators to help manage the community and encourage engagement
By using Discord, you create a space where your audience feels involved and valued, turning casual buyers into die-hard fans.
2. Use Instagram for Authentic Engagement
Instagram is a powerful tool for engaging your audience. But instead of just posting polished photos, use Instagram Carsoules and Reels to help create to create genuine interactions. Here’s how:
- Use lifestyle content to show your community your brand values and beliefs
- Share Behind-the-Scenes clips to show the creative process and human side of your brand
- Engage with your audience to build excitement and connection with your community and audience
- Highlight customer content in your Stories to show appreciation and build trust
Instagram can help you connect with your audience in a casual way, making them feel part of your brand journey. The goal is not to act cooperate and make your brand feel more human.
A lot of people are just posting and hoping it works. That’s why I made this article on building your brand through better engagement — to show you how to move smarter. And if you care about making real impact, this piece on building through community might shift the way you think about your brand’s voice.
Why Community Matters More Than Ever
Rhuigi Villaseñor’s journey proves that building a strong community is essential for success. Whether you’re launching a fashion brand or any creative project, people want to feel connected to something real. By developing a social media engagement plan that prioritizes authenticity and interaction, you can build loyal fans who will stick with your brand for years to come.
So take a page from Rhuigi’s playbook. Create something unique, stay true to your vision, and connect with your audience in meaningful ways. Your community will become the foundation for your long-term success. If you want to watch the full video on How Rhude went to the top you can watch it here on our channel.
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