At just 24, Royal Cromwell is breaking barriers in the fashion industry with his unique style and roles at RxRunway and The Artista Firm.

Royal Cromwell, a 24-year-old model and creative force, is redefining the fashion industry with his distinctive style and confidence, exemplified by his signature ten-inch heels. Cromwell, who identifies as a male with androgynous features, has created a space for himself and others within a field often marked by conformist expectations. Originating from Birmingham, Alabama, Cromwell has emerged as a significant figure in fashion, breaking down barriers while inspiring a new generation of creatives.

Cromwell’s journey has seen him rise swiftly through the ranks of the fashion world. In 2024, he took on a key role as model coach and chief operating officer (COO) at RxRunway, a global fashion production company active in over 17 countries, including notable fashion hubs such as Milan, Paris, and New York City. Reflecting on his unexpected entry into RxRunway, Cromwell recounted, “I thought it was a scam,” before realizing its validity during a personal visit to Miami to meet the founder, Cassandra Lang.

His initial involvement as a model coach during New York Fashion Week opened doors for international travel, a milestone that Cromwell describes as emotional and exhilarating. “Every time my boss sends me an email with my tickets and confirmation, it’s still a dream,” he said in an interview with The Birmingham Times. “I cry every time I leave a country.”

By 2025, Cromwell took on the role of COO, where he is responsible for overseeing the company’s global productions and creative direction. He also established The Artista Firm (TAF), a consulting venture designed to combine art, business, and technology, aiming to help models and creatives thrive in the digital landscape. Cromwell noted their mission, stating, “We empower models and creatives with AI-driven strategies for business and marketing.”

Cromwell’s unique approach to modeling transcends mere aesthetics; for him, it is an art form deeply intertwined with self-expression. His mentor, Daniel Scott Lewis, influenced his decision to embrace high heels, which became a defining characteristic of his personal brand. “At first, I was skeptical… but once I put them on, I realized it was an art form,” he explained.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Cromwell’s family moved to Newark, New Jersey, before settling in Birmingham’s Titusville neighborhood in 2011. His upbringing was steeped in creativity, with a mother who performed as a dancer for celebrities and a grandmother who made history as one of the first African American women from Alabama to feature in Jet magazine. Cromwell’s early forays into fashion involved behind-the-scenes roles, including styling and assisting at various events, laying a solid foundation for his eventual rise in the industry.

Cromwell’s passion for fashion was ignited during his high school years, where he learned to channel his experiences of bullying into a positive outlet through personal style. “As I put those clothes on, I started creating this different, more confident personality inside of me,” he said. This newfound voice ultimately propelled him into the spotlight, providing a platform to express himself without causing harm to others.

In his current role, Cromwell has transformed his experiences into teaching opportunities for aspiring models, often conducting coaching sessions across different time zones. “I had never interacted with someone that was seven or eight hours ahead of my time [zone] before,” he mentioned, illustrating his dedication to mentoring.

Cromwell’s journey illustrates the belief that he can create opportunities not just for himself, but for others. “I realized I don’t have to wait for space to be made; I can create it myself,” he concluded. With his roles at RxRunway and TAF, Cromwell aims to pave the way for other creatives, encouraging them to build their own paths in the world of fashion.

For further insights into Royal Cromwell’s work and approach to fashion, he maintains active social media profiles across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Source: Noah Wire Services