With her quirky yet chic designs, Cynthia Rowley has become a household name in the fashion industry. Her ability to transform mundane everyday items into wearable art has captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts across the globe. As she prepares for her 1992 fall showing, WWD had the opportunity to sit down with the designer and delve into her creative process and business approach. In this interview, Cynthia Rowley opens up about her journey as a designer and the inspirations behind her unique style.
Born and raised in Illinois, Rowley’s love for fashion blossomed at a young age. She recalls being fascinated by the glamorous world of fashion and constantly sketching new designs in her notebook. However, it wasn’t until she studied at the Art Institute of Chicago that she honed her skills and launched her eponymous brand in 1983.
When asked about the concept behind her upcoming fall collection, Rowley explains that she drew inspiration from everyday objects and materials. She believes that fashion should be fun and that there is beauty in the ordinary. Her collection features pieces made from unexpected materials such as plastic, rubber, and even aluminum foil. She also incorporates playful prints and colorful patterns that add a touch of whimsy to her designs.
But it’s not just her unconventional materials and prints that set her apart in the industry. Rowley’s business approach is just as unique. Unlike most designers who outsource their production, she prefers to keep everything in-house. This allows her to have complete control over the quality of her designs and ensures that her pieces are made ethically and sustainably. She also believes in creating clothes that can be worn by women of all shapes and sizes, which is why her collection includes a range of sizes from petite to plus.
Apart from her design aesthetic, Rowley’s keen business sense has also contributed to her success. She reveals that she constantly keeps an eye on the market trends and consumer demands, but never lets them dictate her designs. She believes in staying true to her vision and creating pieces that she herself would want to wear. This unwavering confidence in her style has earned her a loyal following of customers who appreciate her bold and playful approach to fashion.
As a pioneer in the world of kitsch fashion, Rowley has faced her fair share of criticism. However, she remains undeterred and even embraces it. She firmly believes that fashion is a form of self-expression and that everyone is entitled to their own unique style. With her designs, she encourages people to have fun and not take fashion too seriously. She says, “Fashion is meant to be playful and expressive, it shouldn’t be taken too seriously. If my designs make someone smile, then I’ve done my job.”
Despite her success, Rowley remains humble and grounded. She admits that she still gets nervous before every show, but the positive response from her customers and peers keeps her going. She also acknowledges the importance of having a strong support system, both personally and professionally. Her husband, Bill Powers, a well-known art dealer, has been her biggest supporter and collaborator throughout her career.
When asked about her future plans, Rowley reveals that she wants to continue pushing the boundaries and challenging the norms of fashion. She also hopes to expand her brand globally and bring her unique style to a wider audience.
As the interview comes to an end, it’s clear that Cynthia Rowley’s passion and creativity know no bounds. Her ability to turn the ordinary into extraordinary has made her a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry. With her fall collection set to hit the runways, we can’t wait to see what this darling of kitsch has in store for us next.
