The Young Designers Project (YDP) along with menswear designer Raun LaRose, are both names that should sound at least a bit familiar. Many are beginning to uncover the non-profit team of collaborators working with young designers to help promote their collections and make their presence more known in the industry. Every season, the project will work with new designers in presenting an impressive collection with the aid of well seasoned photographers and stylists. Raun LaRose was one of the talented designers who was fortunate enough to work with YDP this past season. LaRose gives Chasseur some word on the personal growth, creative developments, and evolutions of YDP.
What were some of the things going through your mind when you discovered you’d be a part of YDP?
At first when I was approached with the concept of YDP I was a bit hesitant. Design is something that is very personal to me, so being able to share the entire process and allow other creatives to impact the final output of the collection made it a difficult decision. After a series of meetings with the team, however, and after hearing the different ideas and level of commitment, I knew I wanted to be apart of YDP. In a figurative sense, my work is my child. It lays dormant in the recesses of my mind until it gets called upon and, even then, it takes a bit of coaxing to come to fruition. Upon this recognition, it’s still a misshapen form that requires a bit of discipline and time to figure out the true voice of the collection.
There’s always the sense of apprehension when working with other creatives – why hand the reigns over to a third party?
There’s the worry that ideas becomes diluted when more elements are added into the equation but at no point did I feel any pressure from YDP. In a way, they served as consultants in the process of fleshing out the voice of my collection, aiding me in the times of need and providing the structure to stay on track. As a young designer, I am more than well aware of the barriers in this industry for new talent and I commend them for their contributions. I understand what they are trying to create and I can’t express how much gratitude I feel towards them.
How was it like to work with this season’s batch of collaborators? What did you learn from them?
It was such a great experience. For this being the first time collaborating, everything went extremely well. I learned a lot as far as certain processes are concerned. At the beginning stages of my career I wanted to be known for pushing boundaries. As I continue to grow and learn as a designer, however, I simply hope to expand concepts within the arena of men’s fashion.
The theme for this season was Internet as Democracy. How were you able to fuse that theme into your designs?
Internet as democracy was such an appropriate tittle for the project. Raul came up with the title mid-way through our collections completion. This was the season I became a bit rebellious in terms of wanting to break out of my comfort zone and tap into my native roots of Brooklyn.
In what ways did your Brooklyn roots inspire the collection?
This collection was a bit “tougher” in a sense .I strayed away from really sharp, strong silhouettes and focused on everyday pieces that I would see people wear. I wanted to capture a certain essence of relaxation. I ventured into screen prints which I collaborated with Raul on. He first created a line drawing of the Brooklyn Bridge. We then applied a rap lyric from rapper notorious BIG. Those will go on sale within the next few months. But overall I just wanted to work and be inspired by a borough that has so much culture and history.
You experimented with many different styles and fabrics for the first time throughout this collection. What kind of creative challenges did that pose?
At first the process became a bit of a complication. I’m a designer that has a strong sense of fabric. I like to mix fabrics and create combinations of high & low. Working with new fabrics and finding new ways to manipulate them can always pose a challenge.
How do you think YDP will help inspire the community of young designers?
It’s quite the arduous undertaking, being able to present work to the public, whether a young designer is fresh out fashion school, slaving away at a design internship, or taking on odd-and-dead end jobs to survive in this community. As such, it’s a comforting feeling to realize that there is a group of people that believe in you and want to help get you off the ground. New graduates need to have a reason to stay driven. Ambition is in plentitude but, financially and logistically, young designers may stumble in the dark indefinitely, and that is where YDP truly acts as a beacon of guidance.
What are some future goals or next steps you have in mind?
Focusing on brand awareness and creating sales relationships. And most importantly, finding new ways to be inspired.