Rumi Neely

Rumi Neely established her presence in the fashion industry through the launch of “Fashion Toast” in 2008, initially as an outlet to share her personal style and fashion discoveries. This venture began in conjunction with an eBay vintage store named “Treasure Chest Vintage,” allowing Neely to engage directly with the commercial aspects of fashion early in her career. By 2009, her blog had achieved significant traction, garnering over 35,000 daily views. This rapid growth quickly positioned “Fashion Toast” as a prominent platform for fashion commentary and personal style curation. Neely’s blog reportedly receives 5.5 million hits per month, demonstrating her sustained influence in the online fashion community.

Throughout her career, Neely has engaged in various collaborations and partnerships, extending her reach beyond blogging. She has worked with well-known brands on design projects, modeling campaigns, and retail partnerships. Her consistent focus on style and photography has led to recognition within the industry, including awards for her personal style and blogging. These achievements highlight her journey from a fashion enthusiast sharing content online to a recognized figure with a significant impact on fashion trends and brand visibility. Her modeling work for Bulgari’s “Save the Children” campaign and Rebecca Minkoff’s presentation for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week further illustrate her diverse involvement.

In December 2014, Neely leveraged her experience and platform to launch her own luxury women’s apparel line, ARE YOU AM I. This brand debuted with a limited-run holiday pop-up in collaboration with REVOLVE Clothing at The Grove in Los Angeles, marking a significant step in her career progression from influencer to designer and entrepreneur. The launch of her brand signifies a strategic evolution, translating her curated aesthetic into tangible products.