Before the word “influencer” existed, Aruba already had Ronchi de Cuba. A mix of fashion, drama, elegance, and confession. A figure who can inspire and also create shock in the same moment.
The same person who gives advice one day and stages a fashion show the next. A person who moves between faith and flair without asking anyone’s permission. For a while it seemed he was on “pause,” and now suddenly he’s everywhere. From TikTok to Instagram, one video here, one portrait there; Ronchi Reacts, Ronchi Links, Ronchi Unfiltered… Ronchi is back or better said, was he ever gone?
We invited Ronchi, the friend, designer, showman, and storyteller for a no filter shoot at Secrets Aruba. Why? To talk about TikTok, love, fashion, power, politics… nothing was off limits.
Ronchi, we’re seeing you on TikTok more than ever what motivated you to become so visible again?
Uhm! I never left the spotlight… hahaha… I’m simply doing more now. TikTok is fun, and I want to have a good time while inspiring others to love themselves more. Also talking a bit about dating… wow, that’s so complicated now!
Do you feel social media has given you a new voice, or just a different stage for the same Ronchi we’ve always known?
A new stage, the same Ronchi. Affectionate, direct, a little crazy, demanding, and very full of love.
Some people think TikTok is for the young do you ever think, “I’m too old for this,” or do you feel age has nothing to do with creativity?
Oh please! I have a timeless twinkle… hahahahaha… I’m not old for anything. I’m bursting with energy and very vivacious!
How do you choose which side of yourself to show online, the entertainer, the designer, or the provocateur?
It depends on my mood, on the day… if I’m inspired. I don’t plan it, it just happens. I’ve never seen myself as a provocateur! Do you see me that way? (yes)
What has the reaction been more love, more hate, or a bit of both?
Definitely more love. Hate is for losers and wannabes. I don’t give any attention to that or to them.
On TikTok you share advice, opinions, and attitude, but do you really follow the same advice you give others?
Hahahahaha… it depends. Most of the time, yes. But when you like someone, or you’re in love, things can get a little crazy. Especially when I’m in love.
How has the overall online reaction been more admiration, curiosity, or controversy?
I think it’s more that people are getting to know more about me, getting to know my feelings and my thoughts. Not just my work, but more of me.
TikTok can be a pretty wild, unfiltered place. Be honest, have you received any indecent proposals in your DMs?
Not on TikTok. On Instagram and WhatsApp, yes but that’s another story. I don’t like indecent proposals. I like it when someone has the courage to come and talk to me face to face.
Do you feel misunderstood on social media, or do you enjoy the chaos that comes with being Ronchi?
I say things the way I feel them. Thoughts go straight to words. I don’t think I’m misunderstood. I don’t like chaos, and I don’t pay attention to it either. Block is just a click away!
Are you open to love right now, or is your heart still very focused on your art and yourself?
I’m open to love. Authentic love. Honest love. But I’m also super focused on my art and my brand.
If someone wants to date you, what’s the number one rule they need to understand first about being with Ronchi de Cuba?
You never know what you’re going to get. It’s a rollercoaster! But one rule is set in stone: I don’t like liars or players!
You’ve always had a reputation for pushing fashion’s limits in Aruba, what does “style” mean to Ronchi?
Authenticity. In this era where everyone wants to copy someone they see online, style is, without a doubt, being your truest, most authentic self.
Fashion in Aruba has evolved, do you feel proud or frustrated by what you see today?
Proud. It has evolved a lot. But there’s a big divide from fashionable to simply ordinary. That must be frustrating for some, but I don’t pay attention to the ordinary. I want magic!
What’s something people still don’t understand about fashion as an art form?
That fashion is the book cover. You are the book, make sure the cover sells the content.
You’ve been very close to the political world, dressing key figures. What was that experience really like behind the scenes?
Just like any other client. The only difference is that with politicians you have to consider public perception and national image.
Do you think image can make or break a politician?
Yes, it’s possible. It’s been proven many times around the world, even in Aruba.
If a political leader asked you today to help reinvent their image, would you do it?
Hmm… depends on which political figure.
What does power look like through a designer’s eyes?
Power can be glamorous but also pretty scary. Power is a dangerous tool. It can be used for good, but also to destroy. It all depends on who holds that power.
You’ve seen politicians up close; what’s something about them the public might not know?
That they’re normal people, just like all of us.
You have dressed politicians, celebrities, and public figures. Who was your favorite to style, and who challenged you the most?
In politics, my favorite to style was former Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes, and she was also the one who challenged me the most at the beginning. Wendrick Cicilia, Ursell Arends, and Rocco Tjong are also among my favorites. I like dressing Jeon, Buddy, Miguel Genser, Rocco, and Edjean. I love dressing artists.
Be honest do you think most politicians in Aruba don’t know how to dress well?
Yes, many of them have absolutely no idea how to dress appropriately for their function.
People describe you as wild, free, fearless, how much of that is true?
Free and fearless are definitely true today, I think even at a higher level than before. Wild? I’ve never considered myself wild… shocking maybe, but wild, no!
People talk about the “old” Ronchi, provocative, loud, unpredictable. What do you say to those who think you’ve changed?
I haven’t changed. I just control it better now.
Will we see you one day hand in hand with someone special? Or is Ronchi married only to his art?
I’m open to it! At this moment I have nothing special to report.
What’s something you regret, and something you would never apologize for?
I regret not being “myself” more. During the last 15 years, I filtered myself and was more diplomatic, no more! I will never apologize for my faith or for the love I give.
What’s the boldest thing you’ve done on stage, in love, or in life?
So many! On stage, many bold acts. In life, simply being myself since the moment I stepped into the spotlight, that in itself is a bold act. Love… when I love, I love deeply, unconditionally, completely. That is bold.
Do you see yourself reinventing your fashion brand, or are you more focused on media and content creation now?
From a professional perspective, my brand is “the most important.” It includes fashion, media, content, and production. My brand is what I want it to be. So YES, I’m constantly refreshing, reinventing, and rebranding.
What do you want the next generation in Aruba to learn from your story, both the successes and the chaos?
That you have to go through the storm to reach that brilliant sunshine. That no matter what people say or do, stay focused and keep moving forward. Use their “nasty” as gasoline to shine more, to achieve more!
What’s one thing you still want to do that could shock people?
I don’t think about that. I don’t shock people on purpose. Maybe the authentic me is a bit shocking, but it’s natural. For those who are waiting… be patient, I promise more!
How do you want people to remember Ronchi de Cuba, the designer, the showman, or the survivor?
The human being. The multifaceted person. The designer, the showman, the survivor. I want them to remember everything I am.
If you could design Aruba’s identity as if it were a brand, what would it look like?
I wouldn’t change much. I love my island. Maybe it would be a little cleaner, healthier, and filled with an abundance of joy instead of envy and discontent.
The new generation is obsessed with “fast fashion”, cheap, trendy, disposable. What do you think about this movement? Creativity, waste, or a crisis?
Fast fashion is a cheap crisis of bad taste. It’s harmful to our environment. It’s not authentic. It’s cheap and ugly. Do I need to say more?
In France, they’ve started regulating fast fashion because of its environmental impact. Do you think Aruba should follow that example, or is fashion freedom too personal to control?
Fashion freedom can’t be controlled. Fast fashion is NOT fashion. I believe Aruba should take steps to protect the wellbeing of local businesses and creators who are established here and pay taxes here. It’s logical thinking, but why isn’t everyone else thinking that way?
Do brands still matter today, or has style become more about individuality than labels?
Brands come and go. Designers matter. Creative minds make the difference. Individuality is super important, but designers give people the options to express their unique selves.
For young people beginning to shape their personal style, what are the three essential pieces every young man and woman should have in their closet, regardless of trends?
It all depends on their personal style, on what they want to achieve in life. Like the saying goes: “Dress for what you want to become.”
What’s your opinion on the new wave of low rise jeans and gender fluid fashion? Do you see it as confidence, or just another moment of fashion madness?
Fashion is changing in motion. It constantly evolves, creating something new or renewing something from the past. It’s not madness or confidence; it’s simply how fashion lives.
If life were a fashion show, what would Ronchi de Cuba wear for the finale and would you walk out alone or holding someone’s hand?
I’d wear a big, black, dramatic coat with combat boots. I can walk alone or hold someone’s hand. That part doesn’t define me… but I would love to be holding someone’s hand.
Why did you agree to do this interview and photoshoot? What do you want people to take from seeing you “back in the spotlight”?
You keep saying “back in the spotlight”… honey, I never left it. Maybe I kept more distance and was quieter. I want people to know that even though I chose to be more absent these last 10 years, NOW is my time. I make the waves I ride. Are you ready for the storm?
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