Posted by Dan | Posted on 10-05-2011
The Roark family is a collective of designers and filmmakers who work and live together in a huge mad downtown LA space called, Hunter Street Studios. They’re part of a resurgence of creativity that is emerging from downtown Los Angeles, which is generating much interest both here and internationally.
What is most interesting about them is the fact that they are the most uncompromising and talented design led company that I have come across in LA. As a brit, it is refreshing when I find something that reminds me, stylistically, of something that might have come from London or even Berlin, and Roark really, truly have that effect on me.
“ This collection is really a study into the evolution of ones self. Learning to take the natural and combine it with the technological. It’s about finding the balance”. Chris Allison, Designer.
-
Roark is also surrounded by some pretty influential supporters who have managed to ensure that the brand is already making waves on the international show circuit (including White and Tranois).
-
Roark sees in the fall/ winter season with a progressive collection of functional pieces in soft, light woven fabrics such as cashmere knits, fleece pants, hooded jackets and woolen overcoats that envelope and drape on the body. The look is effortless yet the design ethic is conceptual, merging together utility and style.
-
Outerwear includes larger, structured proportions like the heavy hooded overcoats, creating the illusion of a protective exoskeleton - an outer shell or body armor necessary to survive harsh outdoor conditions. Joints bend with the strategic use of ribbing that help improve mobility; these garments are durable unique pieces which blend with the environment but look equally at home on the runway.
-
Overall, this is an impressive design company. They’re winging their way across the U.S. and Europe over the next few months, but they have given us the permission to present a sneak peak of their Fall’11 collection.
-
