Rick Owens for Switch Magazine
Rick Owens is a fashion designer and artist known for his unique approach to fashion and his contributions to the worlds of furniture and art. His work is often characterized by its dark and edgy aesthetic, which he attributes to his interest in death and decay. Owens believes that in order for something new to be born, something else must die. This philosophy is reflected in his clothing designs, furniture pieces, and artwork.
Owens is a trained classical pianist and has been known to incorporate his love of music into his fashion shows. He once created an entire collection inspired by his favorite classical composer, Igor Stravinsky.
Owens’ furniture designs are often made from unconventional materials, including alabaster, petrified wood, and animal horns. He has said that he likes to work with materials that have a sense of history and weight to them.
Owens’ designs have been worn by some of the most famous people in the world, including Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Kanye West. In fact, West has cited Owens as one of his biggest inspirations and has even collaborated with him on several fashion projects.
Owens’ runway shows are known for their theatricality and avant-garde designs. He has been known to include elements like live music, dancers, and even fire in his shows.
Owens is known for his commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the fashion industry. He has included models of all shapes, sizes, and ages in his runway shows, and has been praised for his efforts to make fashion more accessible to everyone.
One of Owens’ most notable statements is “life is death.” This quote reflects his belief that everything must come to an end in order for new things to be created. Owens sees beauty in decay and finds inspiration in the impermanence of life. His work often incorporates this philosophy, with distressed fabrics, asymmetrical cuts, and unconventional shapes that challenge traditional notions of beauty.
Despite his immense talent and success, Owens has hesitated to call himself an artist. He has stated that he is more interested in creating beautiful things than in being labeled as an artist. This reluctance to be categorized reflects the frustration that many artists feel when trying to define their work. Owens’ work straddles the line between fashion, furniture, and art, making it difficult to label it as one or the other.
Looking back at his career, it’s clear that Owens has made a significant impact on the worlds of fashion, furniture, and art. His designs have been featured in museums and galleries around the world, and his clothing and furniture have been worn and used by some of the most influential people in the world.
Owens’ latest endeavors include his recent collaboration with Birkenstock, which features a collection of footwear and clothing designed by Owens. He has also launched a furniture line, which features his signature dark and edgy aesthetic in pieces that are both functional and beautiful.