Can someone explain Rick Owens to me?

ironkurtin

I really don't get it. And I'm someone who doesn't balk at price point or designer labels or perceived vs actual value. And I love tough, simple, deconstructed clothing. But Rick Owens is SO fetishized in certain fashion crowds. What gives?

13 years ago

General

8 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I feel like I should wear or aspire to wear him but yeah I'm with you. In a similar vein there's also Haider Aackerman. I did feel better when I saw a Singaporean blogger say his boots were really uncomfortable.

13 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

Suspect some of it has to do with the fact that his portfolio (a) photographs well (b) is photographed by some cool dude(tte)?

13 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

You mean he's adored to some greater degree than other designers, or just that you don't get his specific appeal? It seems like there are "cults" that revolve around lots of different designers, e.g., Phoebe Philo or Nicolas Ghesquiere...I think Rick Owens is esteemed for his craftsmanship, and he has a sort of mystique about him, and he has a clear vision (sort of marches to his own drummer and steadily does his own thing, regardless of what is happening at that fashion moment).

Just my late night ramblings......

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Jonesy put it so well - Rick Owens has a cult following, much like Marc Jacobs - although their designs are very different.

13 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Trivia. Michele Lamy his wife was well known in the LA party scene in the 90s. She owned / designed a clothing line, then a popular Hollywood French restaurant. I had a few French friends back then so she would show up at their parties. Never remember seeing Rick (or if that was his name then), she was actually the better known person back then. I think she has had a big influence on him. Her 80s early 90s line was full of knit wear, leggings, and I think that has informed the most successful aspects of his work. Or maybe, as the press puts it, she is his muse. I like his clothing, it's minimal and dramatic. But I cannot afford it.

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13 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

Angie, Jonesy - *why* is he a cult? Amazing fabrics? Cuts? The right connections? I get that he has a following, but what is it they see?

13 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Oh I like Rick Owens. I mean, I don't know if any of his stuff is wearable, but I like it. He's got a punky-Dune thing going on. The stuff that hits the stores is also pretty basic.

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Why do some people wear 5 inch heels? There is a cult following - not a cult I follow - but there is a sense of cool associated with the heels/Rock Owens sinister designs.

13 years ago

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