THE Mexican-born, Los Angeles-raised and now New York-based fashion designer Raul Solis founded his eponymous named company LRS Studio in 2014 after working for companies such as 7 For All Mankind and Proenza Schouler. Glass recently met up with him to find out more about his label and aesthetic, what inspires him and his love for New York.
How did you come to start your own line?
After leaving my last job, I wanted to work on a portfolio project to expand my book. Once I finished the project, I realised I had a lot more I wanted to say with my own aesthetic. Stylists and magazines started paying attention to what I was doing and it slowly has involved in the label that it is now.
You designed for 7 For All Mankind and Proenza Schouler. How was the experience? Did it help starting your line?
Yes,working for large designers and brands has helped a lot with how to start and manage the business. There is still a lot to learn and I’m enjoying the every minute of it. During my work experience, I was lucky enough to work under great people that have pass along there knowledge and experiences.
What made you move to New York? Have you ever considered other cities?
I love New York. I guess I always know I would end up here. There was a movie by Risa Bramon Garcia called 200 Cigarettes which starred Christina Ricci that sort of made me want to move here. It’s pretty silly but it looked like a lot of fun.
Most of New York designers seem to focus on customer response and commerce rather than to focus on design creativity. But your line is very unique yet wearable and it seems like you focus on all of them. How do you balance creativity with commerce?
I am always trying to be aware of this balance when designing. It probably comes from my work experience. When designing for other people you always have to be aware that the line needs to be commercially successful. As for the creativity I am so eager to explode so many idea I have yet had the chance too. This to opposites are always the foundations of all of my collections.
What is the most challenging part of you being a designer in New York?
Everything! NY is an expensive city to live in. This cost doesn’t help when you are trying to build a collection and most of your income goes to living.
Where do you find your inspiration? What inspires your design?
My designs tend to be multi-referential. There is not one idea but a number of ideas, people, places, and gestures that inform the design. I’m always inspired by interesting personalities, oddities and subculture.
You have cast very interesting people for your collection look book shoot and presentation. Is there any reason why you cast “none model” with interesting characters? Where did you find them?
I love the idea of unconventional beauty. I’m interested in odd features and personalities. We cast based on individuality instead of the strand of beauty that the fashion industry has put in place. We find our models from from different places. Some are agency models, street cast models and also friends.
Can you tell us more about your Autumn 2016 collection?
My AW16 collection was a study of everyday material. I wanted to push something so relatable like blankets, mattress, pillowcas
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Hopefully still doing what I am doing, designing and exploring ideas.
by Ssam Kim
All photographs: Ssam Kim
Stylist: Yeyoung Kim
Hair and make-up: Kavita Kaul
Model: Emma Johansson @ Supreme
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