Rick Owens is a highly influential and respected figure in the fashion industry, known for his avant-garde and darkly romantic aesthetic. He began his career in the early 1990s and has since established himself as one of the most innovative and boundary-pushing designers of his generation.
Owens was born in Porterville, California in 1962, and grew up in a strict religious household. Despite this, he showed an early interest in fashion and began designing his own clothes at a young age. He went on to study fashion design at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, and upon graduation, moved to Paris to work as a patternmaker for Thierry Mugler.
It was in Paris that Owens launched his own label in 1994, showing his first collection at Paris Fashion Week. The collection was well-received by critics and established Owens as a new talent in the fashion world. He quickly gained a reputation for his use of unconventional materials, such as leather and jersey, and his dark, gothic aesthetic.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Owens continued to show his collections in Paris and developed a strong following among fashion insiders and celebrities. He became known for his experimentation with new materials and silhouettes, and his ability to push the boundaries of traditional fashion design.
In 2001, Owens launched his first furniture collection, which was met with critical acclaim. He also began to expand his brand with the launch of a diffusion line, Lilies, and a furniture line, Rick Owens Furniture. These ventures further cemented Owens’ reputation as a multi-disciplinary designer, not just a fashion designer but also a furniture designer.
In 2007, Owens was awarded the title of “Best New Talent” at the Fashion Awards in Paris, further solidifying his status as a major player in the fashion world. That same year, he opened his first flagship store in Paris, further expanding his brand and reach.
In the following years, Owens continued to experiment with new materials and silhouettes, pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion design even further. He also expanded his brand to include a line of performance wear and a line of luxury sneakers. These ventures are a testament to his ability to think outside the box and push the boundaries of what is possible in the fashion industry.
In 2015, Owens was awarded the title of “Fashion Designer of the Year” at the Fashion Awards in Paris, which further cemented his status as one of the most influential and respected figures in the fashion industry. He continues to be a major influence in the fashion world, with his designs worn by celebrities and fashion icons around the world.
In addition to his fashion work, Owens is known for his collaborations with other artists and designers, such as furniture designer Michele Lamy, his wife. He also created costumes for the dance company, Ballet de l’Opéra National de Paris, and for the performance artist, Marina Abramović. These collaborations further demonstrate his ability to think outside the box and work across different mediums and disciplines.
In conclusion, Rick Owens is a highly influential and respected figure in the fashion industry, known for his avant-garde and darkly romantic aesthetic. He began his career in the 1990s and has since established himself as one of the most innovative and boundary-pushing designers of his generation. He continues to push the boundaries of traditional fashion design and is a major influence in the industry, with a wide range of collaborations and endeavors.
Learn more about the history of your favorite brands.
