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Rick Owens

Rick Owens

From Porterville, California, USA

Step into the world of Rick Owens, the 'Lord of Darkness' in fashion, renowned for his avant-garde designs, architectural silhouettes, and rebellious vision of luxury.

Born in: 1962-11-18

Known for: Rick Owens redefined modern fashion with his unapologetic vision, influencing a generation of designers and creating a subculture of loyal followers.

Rick Owens | Couturer Curated High Fashion

Early Life

Raised in California, Owens studied pattern-making at Otis College of Art and Design before dropping out and working in the garment industry, which laid the foundation for his distinctive style.

Breakthrough Moment

In 2002, Owens’ debut runway show in New York and his collaboration with Revillon brought him global recognition.

Signature Style

Dark, draped silhouettes, gothic influences, raw textures, and a blend of grunge and luxury aesthetics.

Timeline

  • Founded Rick Owens Brand

    1994-01-01

    Rick Owens launched his eponymous label in Los Angeles, focusing on draped, minimalistic designs.

  • First New York Runway Show

    2002-02-01

    Debuted his collection at New York Fashion Week, marking his rise to prominence in the fashion world.

  • Relocated to Paris

    2003-01-01

    Owens moved his operations to Paris and expanded his brand globally.

Major Contributions

  • Popularizing the 'glunge' (glamour meets grunge) aesthetic.
  • Elevating avant-garde fashion with architectural and gender-fluid designs.
  • Expanding his brand to include furniture design and art installations.

Brand Evolution

Founded in 1994, Rick Owens’ brand has expanded from cult-following grunge aesthetics to a global luxury powerhouse, with collections that span fashion, furniture, and collaborations.

Personal Life

Owens lives in Paris with his wife and muse, Michèle Lamy, who is a constant source of inspiration for his work.

Cultural Impact

Rick Owens has built a loyal cult following and reshaped fashion’s relationship with minimalism, gothic aesthetics, and architectural design.

Quotes

  • "I try to make clothes the way Lou Reed wrote songs. It’s about the attitude of cool." ~ Rick Owens
  • "I’m inspired by something that’s brutal but still has a vulnerability to it." ~ Rick Owens

Trivia

  • Rick Owens is often referred to as the 'Lord of Darkness' due to his gothic-inspired aesthetic.
  • He designed furniture that mirrors his fashion philosophy—sculptural, minimalist, and raw.

Key Collections

Fall/Winter 2002 'Sparrows'

Owens’ debut runway show in New York featured his signature draped leather jackets and introduced his dark, rebellious aesthetic.

Spring/Summer 2014 'Vicious'

A groundbreaking collection featuring diverse casting and bold silhouettes, challenging traditional notions of beauty and representation.

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