With his unique aesthetic and authentic style, Rick Owens remains one of the most influential and distinctive designers of today – managing to stay true to himself and his vision throughout his lengthy career, and cultivating a huge fanbase around the world (Rick army rise up).
What Rick knows how to do is be unapologetically himself. After all, he is the one that said: “The coolest thing is when you don’t care about being cool anymore. Indifference is the greatest aphrodisiac – that’s what really sums up style for me.” He keeps designing what he likes and what he wants to see, he has said in an interview that he just creates what he wants to see on the runway. And that’s why his brand works so well.
Whether it’s his avant-garde or minimal side, with every collection he keeps exploring and bringing out different concepts that stimulate his creativity – see his SS25 all-white collection, named “Hollywood” after his early days as a designer in the city of stars (a radical 180º from his usual black aesthetic), where he sent students and Owenscorp employees down the runway; or his SS14 “Vicious” show where step dancers modelled in the show.
Rick Owens’ raw, extravagant yet brutalist nature has given him the strong individuality and unique brand identity that has gained him his cult following (aka the Rick army). The Lord of Darkness has managed to build a world of his own (something that few designers get to accomplish on this kind of scale). He’s created his own universe – when it comes to his shows, his clothes, his furniture – and we get to dip our toes in.
And you can see that in the upcoming exhibition “Rick Owens: Temple of Love” at Palais Galliera (opens June 28th), which Rick actually curated as artistic director. The exhibition follows designs from his early days in LA through to current pieces, as well as his mood boards and references from art and film.
Happy Rick day to those who celebrate.
Featured images Rick Owens©
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