Style Spotlight: Interview with Fashion Designer Robert Rodriguez

Even if you haven’t heard of Robert Rodriguez, you’ve likely seen his clothes – whether a custom red suit on Heidi Klum or Red Carpet show-stoppers on the likes of Angelina Jolie and Scarlett Johansson.

This cult favorite fashion designer is known for his sophisticated silhouettes, impeccable tailoring and unparalleled quality, and this season’s collection was no exception. An incredibly amazing mix of vivid neons and neutrals, stained glass window prints and polka dots. Unsurprisingly, I’m obsessed!

Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to his spring runway show in Chicago today, but I was lucky enough to score a few minutes of his time. Read on as I pick Robert’s brain about the collection, how he wants you to feel in his clothes, and a few of his fashion favorites!

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corals + cognacs: When did you realize you wanted to pursue a career in fashion design?
Robert Rodriguez: When I was young, I always wanted to be an architect. But when my mother gave me a book on Christian Dior, I read it over and over. It was this book that made me realize I wanted to be a designer, and led me to study at FIT.

c+c: So, Dior was a huge source of inspiration in your decision to start a career in fashion. Who or what else influences you in your designs?
RR: I still find a lot of influences in architecture – the lines, materials, and construction. For Spring the vivid colors, history, and bold architecture of Downtown Los Angeles were a big draw. Photography and Art are also sources of inspiration for me.

c+c: Who are you designing for? What’s the Robert Rodriguez girl like?
RR: To me she is modern and edgy, and really I design for all women. I am inspired to create clothes that anyone can feel beautiful and confident in.

c+c: How do you want a woman to feel when she’s wearing Robert Rodriguez?
RR: I want a woman to feel sexy and have a confidence when she goes out. She should be expressing her individuality and look amazing doing it!

c+c: Amen! I’m obsessing over textural details and color combinations from this spring’s collection. Which piece is your favorite?
RR: First of all, thank you! Spring was important for me because we used a lot of color and some really great fabrics. The sequin pieces are favorites because they’re so special and unique. They give a fantastic pop of color, but with a subtle sophistication.

c+c: What’s your go-to wardrobe staple?
RR: I love a great white t-shirt, leather jacket, and the perfect denim.

c+c: Classic. So, what can we expect from you the rest of 2012?
RR: We just showed the fall 2012 collection in New York and it includes great leather pieces, a series with beautiful beading, and of course some sexy pencil skirts. And stay tuned for more to come as the year goes on!

c+c: Okay, last question. What’s one piece of advice would you give to someone dreaming about starting a career in fashion?
RR: I think it is important to stay true to yourself and your vision.

Special thank you to Robert Rodriguez for taking the time to do a little Q&A with c+c!

Click here to see the entire collection, and to shop Robert Rodriguez, check out TheOutnet, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus.