With such a wealth of menswear talent in existence and emergence in London, it’s sometimes easy to forget about designers stateside. Although I’d turn to Paris over New York when scrolling through next season collections on GQ.com, it’s the latter that, with its unpretentious and relaxed aesthetic, often inspires my day-to-day style. That said, there’s no doubt the optimum look would be a hybrid of the two fashion capitals, and Brooklyn-based Raun Larose seems to concur with his AW10 collection of jersey, wool, and that now firm fashion favourite – neoprene.
I dug a little deeper to learn more about NY’s latest menswear talent…
MM: What experience do you have in the industry? Did you study fashion?
RL: I’ve interned at Zac Posen in Paris, interned at the fashion department of VIBE Magazine, and then eventually went on to start my label Raun
LaRose. Although, i’m still searching for opportunities on a daily basis. I attended the Art Institute of NYC, Lately, I attended FIT. Where I
took courses in Menswear Design.
MM: What inspired the AW10 collection?
RL: With this collection I didn’t want to be inspired by one thing in
particular. If I said I was, then I would be lying. I wanted to produce
garments that just looked more like works of art.
MM: How would you describe your design aesthetic?
RL: As for my aesthetic, I design for the individual who is in search of
change in his daily wardrobe. I love sophistication with a modern
twist. I’ve been dubbed the ‘American European’. It took me a while to
discover my appreciation for European culture and design.
But I also know that I don’t want to have a signature as a designer, I don’t want to be known for doing only one thing. I always hope to
push boundaries.
^ Love the simplicity, and Raf Simons-esque quality, of these pieces.
^ Two options for eveningwear – go safe, but decidedly slick, or go a bit mad with the belted, crazy collared number that Rei Kawakubo wishes she had designed.
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Since Larose’s website seems on the brink, follow him on Twitter for updates.
Simplicity and charm in the interpretation of the clothes, love it!
Theatrically simple and quite daring for an NYC designer. Though more and more are venturing into the 'London' aesthetic. Great little interview!