March 3rd, 2010
The Narciso Rodriguez for eBay collection goes on sale today! Read our interview with the celebrated designer.
Just days away from his Fall 2010 show for New York Fashion Week, designer Narciso Rodriguez spoke to Constance White, eBay’s Fashion Expert, about his design philosophy and his collaboration with eBay, which goes on sale today. Click here to view images of the collection and here to start shopping.
Constance White: How did you approach designing your eBay collection?
Narciso Rodriguez: I only had eight pieces to deliver. It’s much easier to design when you have those parameters—when you’re focused on delivering the message with eight pieces. You have to consider what it is you stand for, what you want to say. When I’m designing my other line, [I] just keep going and it’s a bit undisciplined. [I] can do so much.
Narciso Rodriguez attending his 'Retrospective' in November, 2009 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by GV Cruz/WireImage)
CW: What else makes designing this line different?
NR: The thing that’s different about it is that you have to be practical. You want to give the best price, but use the best materials. Because [this is] the first season [of the collaboration with eBay], it’s also [about] starting the look of something you want to continue. It’s building the foundation.
CW: Like a love affair, is the most exciting part the beginning?
NR: [Laughs.] It is. I agree. I thought about that—and what I did at the beginning of my career [versus] what I should do now. What would endure? I have racks and racks of clothing that Kathy [Kalesti, vice president of his company] is dying for me to get rid of. But I like things that endure. So much of fashion today is inexpensive and disposable. I’ve never been interested in things that don’t endure.
CW: How does it feel to be going into this kind of partnerhip with a company like eBay?
NR: For me it’s very exciting. It’s not that I haven’t wanted to do a more affordable collection, but I wanted it to be very personal. I’m such a hands-on designer. I want to create good clothes that can reach a broad audience, but not just a mass product. The things that sell out best in the store are the things that are the most personal. I want to keep designing and creating and this is another way to do that.
CW: What about the business side?
NR: From a business point of view, it’s a great moment to have everyone look at what we do and to grow the business. With my signature collection, I would be reaching a fraction of the people I’m reaching by having a store on eBay. The way it works, it’s also very streamlined [selling the collection on eBay] and I’m all about the streamline. Secondary lines are big for a moment and then disappear. I prefer slow and steady rather than big and gone.
CW: What are the three things you stand for as a designer in general?
NR: One thing I love most is a graphic message. And I love to keep it very honed, and very sexy, and have that black and white [a signature motif in his collection].
CW: What are your three great sources of inspiration?
NR: First, architecture. I like Oscar Nedemeyer’s work. Sonja Braga recently sent me picture of buildings in Brazil that he’s done. Second, people on the street. Life on the street. I get more work done in my head on my 15 minute walk to work [than I do in hours at the office] looking at buildings, the sidewalk, color, action. Third, music. I love Brazilian music. It’s so romantic and beautiful the way the Brazilian musicians express themselves. I love Cuban music. I listen to rock. I just got all my old Missy Elliot out and I’m listening to that.
From left to right from the Narciso Rodriguez for eBay collection: Python T-Shirt, $70; Reversible Trench, $350; Jersey Dress, $250
CW: You’ve had an enviable career. What are the two biggest highlights so far?
NR. Dressing Michelle Obama. That Michelle Obama chose to wear one of my dresses on election night, something I designed, meant a lot to me. That I could be a small part of an important moment in history, the history of the world, was amazing to me… And dressing Carolyn (Bessette Kennedy) for her wedding to John. They’re both very dear moments to me.
CW: Why do they stand out?
NR: Obviously, because of the media attention and recognition from people who wouldn’t necessarily see or recognize my work. But for me personally, they are important because those are both beautiful and independent women. They are inspiring to me. With Caroline, she was the love of my life: That she wanted me to create something for her to marry the love of her life was to me a very beautiful moment.
CW: What advice would you give to a woman on how to use fashion to look her best?
NR: First, keep it simple. There’s a reason people love a little black dress. It’s something that you can dress up or down. Second, have it fitted. No matter how hard I try or any designer tries to reach women with something that fits them perfectly, it’s not going to happen all the time. It’s such a simple thing to look in the mirror with a tailor and say, ‘Take that little bit out.’ It makes everything you own so much better. I get everything tailored. Third is comfort. Feel comfortable physically, but also mentally in your clothes. Wear something that makes you feel great.
Constance White is eBay’s Fashion Expert. To purchase the Narciso Rodriguez for eBay collection, click here.
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