This past Wednesday afternoon we caught up with up-and-coming designer LaRaun Rose while shooting for the look book and video presentation for the Spring/Summer 2011 collection of his brand, Raun LaRose. The venue, a nicely ventilated DUMBO loft, was the perfect location for a designer who is all about designing pieces that are trendy with a modern silhouette. In between the commotion going on in the set, Laraun was kind and patient in taking the time to answer the questions I had prepared as Joshua was setting up his camera to take snapshots of his upcoming collection. Much was discovered after these questions were answered;
J + J: What is the theme/inspiration behind this collection?
LR: Modern architecture, especially the Bauhaus style, inspired me on this chapter of my creative journey. One architect from the 1920s and 1930s in particular served as my muse, and her name is Sonia Delauney. In this collection, gender lines are blurred drastically, presenting a new twist on a modern silhouette. I ventured into this direction because I do not like to imitate what other designers do. Instead I want to revamp an old concept and give it my own twist.
J + J: If we played a game of word association, what is one word that would the describe the man who wears your clothes, and why?
LR: Revolutionary. He is revolutionary because he wears clothes that are modern, sophisticated, and do not have a gender. He always thinks outside the box.
J + J: So last season you showed your Fall/Winter 2010 collection in Paris instead of New York. Why? Tell me what that experience was like?
LR: After my first showing during Brooklyn Fashion Week last year I decided that showing in Paris was better since I knew the audience would be more appreciative of my work as a designer. When I presented in Brooklyn, the audience judged my work mostly in a negative light, calling my work “too feminine.” In Paris, the reception was more open-minded and critics understood my aesthetic better. The youth culture itself in Paris is very refreshing and inspiring, with their demure and casual-chic style, which also helped to inspire me in this Spring collection.
J + J: If someone wants to purchase pieces from your line, where can they go?
LR: At the moment I do not have a retailer that is carrying my merchandise, so any inquiries on buying my collection can be directed to sales@raunlarose.com.
J + J: Are there any future plans on the horizon for your brand?
LR: I am still working on finding the ideal retailers to carry my collection in the near future. I want to make sure my merchandise is sold in places that attract the target audience I design for. In all, I am more concerned with getting my message across correctly than with profit itself. Also I plan to show my next collection in Milan because not only do I enjoy the collections some designers show there like Gucci, but also the city is very vibrant and full of energy.
The whole photo/video shoot went very well, and we would like to extend a big thank you to LaRaun Rose for inviting J + J to cover this amazing collection, as well as his stylist Raul Guerrero, who had the insight and creative genius to make all of the pieces look like works of art! If you wish to check his styling portfolio, check him out at www.raulguerrero.net.
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