Upcycling Fashion Master Nigel Xavier Dishes on His Design Process and the Power of Meta AI

Nigel Xavier is a viral fashion designer beloved for his innovative patchwork creations using upcycled textiles, and since being crowned the winner of Next in Fashion last year, he's further taken the world by storm.

This holiday season, he's partnered with Meta AI, demonstrating its power as a virtual does-it-all holiday assistant. Not only does it streamline his creative process while helping him reimagine gift-giving, but it relieves some of the stresses of the season in the process.

Meta AI is available for free through Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp and even Ray-Ban Meta glasses, and it's just the thing for tackling whatever needs might arise as the year draws to a close. Whether you're searching for enticingly festive recipes, need real-time language translation services to transcend barriers or want to go the extra mile with eco-friendly DIY gifts, they have you covered. It's the perfect fit for Nigel, who's all about transforming old, unwanted garments into striking DIY household items as well as stylish new outfits, reducing waste with a personal touch of creativity and love. We got to chat with Nigel all about what drives him and how he harnesses the power of Meta AI in the interview below.

Sweety High: Tell us about your history with style and fashion. Was there one defining moment when you knew your future was in the industry?

Nigel Xavier: Fashion's been part of my DNA for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was always drawn to how people expressed themselves through what they wore. I'd spend hours deconstructing clothes in my room, turning old pieces into something new. There wasn't just one defining moment—it was more like a series of little ones. But if I had to pinpoint something, it'd be seeing my first custom piece worn with pride, knowing that I turned something ordinary into something memorable. That feeling made it clear—this wasn't just a hobby; it was what I was meant to do.

(Photo credit: Shamaal Bloodman)

 

SH: When did you start getting interested in working with secondhand materials? Why is upcycling and reducing waste so important to you?

NX: Upcycling found me before I even knew what to call it. Growing up, I had to get creative with what I had—old jeans, jackets, whatever was lying around. It became a way to make something out of nothing, to tell a story with every stitch. For me, it's not just about sustainability; it's about honoring the past while reimagining it for the future. There's something powerful about giving forgotten materials a new life.

 

SH: Can you tell us about your partnership with Meta this year? How are you working together with Meta AI, and why is the collab such a perfect fit?

NX: Partnering with Meta AI has been eye-opening for me. It's the ultimate creative assistant, helping me push boundaries, experiment and reimagine my designs. I'm an avid sports fan, and we first teamed up for Meta's Super Fan campaign to blend fashion with fandom in an innovative way. College football is one of my favorite sports, and I used Meta AI as my research tool and went on to create a custom, upcycled University of Texas patchwork sweatsuit.

So when Meta's Holiday campaign came along, it felt like a perfect extension. Meta AI has been so helpful to tackle the hustle of the holiday season. I've been prepping my gifts and Meta AI has helped me streamline my creative process with fresh ways to craft DIY gifts that are not only unique but also deeply personal. One example was a custom upcycled belt I designed—using old clothes from my closet—and Meta AI helped me visualize the design in real time, showing me potential patterns and stitching techniques that would enhance the piece.

 

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SH: What are some of your favorite ways to upcycle old household items into fabulous and impressive holiday gifts?

NX: Some of my favorite ways of not necessarily making clothing pieces would be to make furniture and home decor pieces. It could be a nice couch where I upcycle it in denim, jerseys, T-shirts. I love to create a gift that keeps giving every time you see it.

(Photo credit: Shamaal Bloodman)

 

SH: What are some other ways you've been using Meta AI to help you navigate the tricky holiday season?

NX: Other ways I used Meta AI were by finding thoughtful gift based on certain people's interests and personalities. Also even being able to find specific things near me.

 

SH: Can you tell us about your new Crochet x Denim Collection?

NX: I've been doing crochet for a while and haven't been able to share enough pieces with my customers and wanted to take this time to provide more options. With this collection, I decided to include my denim techniques while still incorporating the crochet materials as well. With the colors and silhouettes I was interested in giving a more tropical vibe to my personal style.

 

Also read about: Best DIY Craft Ideas for Recyclable Glass Jars

 

SH: How might Meta AI help to guide a new era for fashion innovation?

NX: Meta AI can be such an incredible tool to help allow more independent designers break into the industry and showcase their creativity and talent. There are so many aspects that go into making sure your work is actually seen and having a virtual assistant that's free and super accessible can be a game changer for a lot of people who feel like they can't do it all. I also use the technology as a creative thought partner through my process to streamline research and troubleshoot ideas in a more efficient way.

(Photo credit: Shamaal Bloodman)

 

SH: Is there anything else we should know about you and your collab with Meta?

NX: The holiday season is all about giving with meaning, and working with Meta for this campaign has been the perfect opportunity to make that a reality. With Meta AI, we're taking the concept of gift-giving to the next level, creating personalized, thoughtful DIY gifts that have a real connection to the person receiving them. The beauty of this collaboration is how it blends cutting-edge tech with real-world creativity, helping me push the boundaries of design and making these special moments feel even more impactful. I'm excited to see where this partnership goes and how we can continue to push the envelope together.

 

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