Atlas of Fashion Designers

167

Craig Robinson

Craig Robinson

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If Craig Robinson had lived in the New York of the 20s, he would have been the tailor of

gangsters and mafi osos.  e darling designer of suits worn to speakeasies in the Era of Pro-

hibition.  e whim of a mob boss with taste.  e principal architect of the distinguished

and arrogant style of a romantic time.

For this reason, today, in the absence of other icons of raffi sh elegance, Craig dresses the

bad boys of downtown New York, groups like Interpol, the New York Dolls and Secret Ma-

chines, among others, are some of his most fervent followers. All of them visit his workshop

on 5th Avenue, where respect and reverence for the creative process of the tailor is palpable,

where clients are treated with the same courtesy and aff ection with which Craig designs,

cuts and sews their suits, suits that combine elegant tailoring with a current touch, result-

ing in a unique and singular garment customized to the personality of its owner.

Since he was young, this New Mexico–born designer exhibited a passion for dress garments

and a skill for coming up with cowboy outfi ts for his friends. It is likely that this experience

helped him realize that the same suit takes on a diff erent character depending on who is

wearing it and that only through customized work is it possible to obtain the appropriate

look for an individual.

For this reason, on his webpage Craig is seen creating, drawing, sewing with his old ma-

chine in a dark, clandestine atmosphere, to the rhythm of rock and roll, making the cre-

ative process a delight—all a luxury in these times of stylism and pret-a-porter, a creation

for those who know how to appreciate the mastery that goes into a unique suit.

Photography by Rudy Archuleta

168

Craig Robinson

Photographs by Rudy Archuleta

169

Craig Robinson

Images of the designer in his New York

studio where he invests each of his

garments with the spirit of traditional

tailoring while simultaneously

remaining innovative, keeping pace

with modern times to the rhythm of

rock and roll.

Photographs by Rudy Archuleta