Frock Star

Robert Rodriguez

Robert Rodriguez

LA-based designer Robert Rodriguez is a fave amongst the celebrity-set. Scarlett Johansson, Nicole Kidman and Angelina Jolie have all rocked his frocks on the red carpet, and now, the Christian Dior-alum is turning his attentions to a new dress collection: Robert Rodruiguez Black Label. FLARE sat down with the designer to discuss his luxe new cocktail line, his favorite things and what we can expect for spring.
By Aya McMillan

Robert Rodriguez

A red frock from Robert Rodriguez’s new label.

FLARE: Why did you launch this new collection?
RR: After doing eveningwear at Dior for so many years, and then suddenly stopping and doing sportswear for the last five, I kind of missed it so I just decided to bring it back. It’s going back to what I used to do and the passion I have for it. Also, I found that there was a big void in the market for the type of eveningwear we created. I always found girls coming to me saying, oh my god I need to go to a wedding or to an event, but I can’t find a cool evening dress. So I said, you know what, I should do that, I should bring it back and just make it a little bit edgier and younger for girls to wear.

Robert Rodriguez

The line includes gorgeous Grecian gowns.

FLARE: What’s the look of Black Label?
RR: It’s not your typical eveningwear collection. It’s not your full beaded gowns and it’s at higher price point. It’s little bit edgier and more modern.

FLARE: What was the inspiration for the debut collection?
RR: I come from a Spanish background, so I wanted to bring that out in my first collection. So my inspiration was Spanish flamenco, because it’s very glamorous and mysterious. We used a lot of taffetas with raw edges to make it edgier and created a special type of chiffon that looks almost like liquid because it drapes so beautifully. I incorporated matador-like vests encrusted with lavish beading and made almost everything in jet black. It’s really luxe – I wanted to bring that out in the fabrics and colours.

Robert Rodriguez

A matador-style vest and taffeta skirt by Robert Rodruiguez Black Label.

FLARE: Would you ever branch out into accessories?
RR: Yes. In the future we would like to brand the name more and become a household name: shoes, handbags, the full lifestyle.

FLARE: What can we expect for Spring?
RR: Spring was inspired by old Japanese painting. There’s a lot of embroideries and beading, but not nothing typical.

FLARE: Do you have a favourite look that you’ve designed?
RR: No, they’re all like my children…but some are bad children.

FLARE: Has there been a high point in your career?
RR: I think right now. I think right now I’m in the best place that I’ve ever been.

FLARE: If you weren’t a designer, what would you be doing?
RR: I would probably either be an architect.

FLARE: Is there anything you had designed or invented?
RR: Post-it notes

FLARE: what makes a woman sexy?
RR: Simplicity.

FLARE: What is the biggest fashion faux-pas a girl can make?
RR: When they over-accessorize themselves. Or when you a woman wears exactly the same thing as what’s on the runway. I like girls that mix and are a little more eclectic.

FLARE: How do you feel when you see a celebrity wearing your designs versus the average girl on the street?
RR: I think it’s equally as exciting. Celebrities are just celebrities but I get a kick out of seeing regular girls wearing my stuff. I still remember the first time I saw a girl wearing one of my pieces.

FLARE: What are you obsessed with right now?
RR: My dog.

FLARE: What trend would you like to see disappear?
RR: Uggs and tracksuits!

FLARE: Do you follow any fashion rules?
RR: I don’t. I think in fashion, there shouldn’t be any rules. As a designer, you should always keep your mind open. Fashion is a fantasy. I think women love to play with different things and be open to different ideas and it’s our job to give that to them.

FLARE: What’s the best thing about your job?
RR: Waking up every morning and wanting to go to work. I have a passion for what I do and for me, it’s not a job – It’s an accomplishment, it’s an art. And I just really enjoy what I do. I really enjoy creating.

Robert Rodriguez Black Label is available exclusively at Holt Renfrew.

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