Rick Owens

Rick Owens, born Richard Saturnino Owens on November 18, 1961, in Porterville, California, has carved a unique niche in the fashion world since the launch of his eponymous label in 1994. Often described as avant-garde and gothic, his style is distinguished by a dark, brooding aesthetic that challenges conventional norms.

After studying pattern-making at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, Owens began working for local companies, learning the trade from the inside out. It wasn't until he launched his line from his downtown Los Angeles studio that he started gaining significant attention. His breakthrough moment came in 2001 when Vogue's then-editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld championed his work. This endorsement led to Owens securing a runway show in Paris in 2002, which marked his international debut.

Owens' design philosophy often draws from his fascination with architecture, BDSM culture, and monochromatic palettes. His distinctive use of high-quality materials, drapery, and innovative tailoring has earned him critical acclaim. Notably, in 2002, Owens received the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Perry Ellis Emerging Talent Award, highlighting his influence on contemporary fashion.

In addition to his main line, Owens has introduced several successful offshoots, including DRKSHDW, a more affordable line blending streetwear aesthetics with his signature style, and Rick Owens Lilies, catering to women with a softer, more fluid silhouette. In 2007, he expanded his brand further by adding a furniture line, characterized by its primitive, brutalist design.

Owens' collaborations have also garnered widespread attention. His 2014 partnership with Adidas resulted in a series of futuristic sneakers that blended functionality with high fashion. The same year, he staged one of his most controversial shows in Paris, where models sported minimalist clothing that bared almost all, a statement on vulnerability and human exposure.