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Q1 Could you tell us about the projects that you are working on right now?
At this moment we are working on the developing for the concept of our first free standing store in New York City and on the Latino Royalty Nights, a concept of evenings full of the passion, zest and rhythm of Latin culture.
Q2 How did you become designer?
I started at age 13 (with the assistance of my mother), dressing beauty queens in my native country Colombia (the country with the most beauty pagents in the world). Then I studied architecture and ended up, in Production Design for theatre, film and TV at NYU.
I kept designing all along, but not until 1992 did I decided to fully dedicate my life to fashion.
Q3 Where does the brand name come from?
The brand name comes from speaking the language that our ideal consumer speaks. Latino is a term that belongs to all romance languages and it could be said by any European, American or Latinamerican person with much ease. Royalty is how we want our consumers to feel. At Latino Royalty we believe that there is a new generation of Americans and that we are all mix raced, bilingual and multicultural. We want to become the leading brand that represents them. |
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Q4 When do you usually get the inspiration for your works?
My inspiration could come at anytime, at any place and in the strangest ways! But Culture is my greatest inspiration, particularly the Latino, because is such a mix of many different cultures, that it becomes a representation of the world.
But also NYC is the most influential, being the melting pot of the international community.
At the moment I am very inspired by Peru, Brazil, Panama and Cuba, Four countries that have a great oriental influence creating a sub culture called the Chino Latino. You find it in the food, the music, the way they dress, etc. But the greatest sight comes when you see the "Culture Live" and you fall in love with a beautiful brazilian of Chinese descent dancing Samba as if she knows nothing else, at a Night Club in NY. She dates a black Chinese Cuban, dinnes at a Peruvian Nikkei cuisine restaurant and speaks Spanish, English and Chinese as her first language, because she was born in Panama.
Q5 Could you tell us the process of working on your pieces?
It first starts with the fabrics, then with the music, then; I start wondering in search of.... That person, that restaurant, that book, the store or whatever it is that will keep my passion going. |
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Latino Royalty is a harmony of colors, fabrics, design and workmanship that draws from the best of Latin Culture—it's rich heritage, its beauty, and its zest for life. The garments have a fit and edginess to them, that brings the line forward to the modern world.
The collections are designed in a way that encourages you to mix and match individual garments and use them interchangeably throughout the day's or week's activities. In that sense, it is a complete wardrobe in it self. You can dress classy in a casual way or casual in a classy way, as the occasion required. And you don't have to look beyond the Latino Royalty line of clothing to do so.
The Latino Royalty brand exemplifies the lifestyle of someone who bridges both worlds of the contemporary American-- the young of spirit, bilingual, multicultural, sophisticated man of Latin heritage who wants to express his own sense of individuality.
But the brand also has a broader, universal appeal that crosses ethnic and cultural lines.
The man who wears Latino Royalty clothing will feel equally at home in Buenos Aires, or Boston, or Bogota, Los Angeles, or on the street of New York. It is truly a marriage of cultures. It is—the Best of Both Worlds.
Latino royalty is a high end fashion menswear brand that is largely inspired the Latin culture. The company was formed in March 2005 and is based in New York City. The brand is entering it's third season and is currently been sold in some of the premiere boutiques in the country; including Detour, New York City, Rhythm Clothiers, West Palm Beach, Lulu at Harour, Azul in Coconut Grove, Octane in Texas and Platinum in Philadelphia. |
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Q6 What do you feel is important when you are working on your pieces?
The inspiration, the Look, the comfort, the quality and the balance of it all.
Q7 What do you think about the current fashion trend?
I celebrate individuality. It is the only way to be Universal.
Q8 Which stores carry your products in US and Japan?
In New York, Detour and Christophers. In LA, Couture. We sell in all major cities in the US. At the moment we are not selling in Japan, we would love to.
Q9 Which celebrities are wearing your products?
Enrique Iglesias, Eric Winters, Gio Williams, Teddy John, Michelle Rodriquez, Sofia Vergara, Jessica Alba, Roselyn Sanchez and many more!
Q10 What do you do on your day off?
Walk the streets and shop in whichever city I am in.
Q11 Are there any places or countries you would like to visit?
Morocco, Japan and India. |
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Q12 Have you been to Japan?
Obviously not, but is on my main list. I wear Kyoto Incense daily, a fragrance by Comme de Garcons.
Q13 What do you think about New York?, also could you tell me about Colombia?
NY is my home, Colombia is my balance.
Q14 What is your favorite cuisine? Could you tell us your favorite restaurants?
The Peruvian in Lima, but in NY my favorite restaurant at the moment is Buddakan
Q15 Could you tell us anything what you think its cool at the moment?
Anything Scottish, English or Irish… but mixed with stuff from other cultures.
Q16 Are there any people who inspired you? Who do you respect?
Many, many, many...
Q17 Favorite word or phrase
No words, just actions.
Q18 What is your goal?
To become the best fashion designer for men in the US
Q19 Any message?
Be your self ! |
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