Rhuigi Villaseñor, a fashion designer with an unparalleled outlook, captivated the audience with his Bally debut collection last September. With a combination of elegance and West Coast charm, he made a statement in the fashion world. And now, with the latest offering from his label, Rhude Fall/Winter 2023, he has once again demonstrated his imaginative brilliance.
The designer returned to Los Angeles and took over the Hollywood Goya Studios for a show titled “Rhude Awakening: Fuel My Fire“, which was a nostalgic nod to his early days in the city in the early 2000s. As a Filipino expatriate who came to the US at the age of 11 and couldn’t speak English, Villaseñor got his start in fashion by creating pieces in his family’s garage and showcasing them on social media. It was here that he first garnered attention, when rapper Kendrick Lamar ordered a bandana-printed t-shirt.
The Rhude collection was an ode to Villaseñor’s youth, inspired by fashion legends Pharrell and Gwen Stefani from the early-aughts, hip-hop, and vintage fashion. The range included an assortment of leather attire, including perfecto jackets and “traxedo” pants, as well as streetwear ensembles featuring leather jackets and vests paired with cargo pants.
Villaseñor’s passion for the automotive industry is reflected in his partnership with Italian car company Lamborghini for the season. He presented a range of ready-to-wear pieces, including workwear vests and oversized scarves, both featuring the Rhude and Lamborghini logos. The varsity jacket, a staple in his wardrobe, was also a key piece in the collection and was showcased in various combinations, including a denim and light blue version and with lamé shorts.
The second half of the show unveiled the designer’s relaxed, couture side, featuring pieces in beige and sand colors. Standout pieces included camel leather jackets with retro accents, long cashmere coats, shearling jackets paired with Formula 1 racing car pants, long leather jackets with python effects, cashmere suits with stripes, and long jackets and flowing shorts combinations in beige and brown.
