Atlas of Fashion Designers

313

José Ramón Reyes

José Ramón Reyes

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 e decade of the 90s was marked by the indelible print of designers who, fed up with

excess, ornamentation and—occasionally—bad 80s taste, felt the need to return to pure

lines, sobriety and just the right balance. Helmut Lang and Donna Karan, among others,

formed part of this movement which, dubbed “minimalist,” has heavily infl uenced the

work of many contemporary designers such as José Ramón Reyes.

Born in the Dominican Republic, a young José Ramón decided to move to New York to

study fashion marketing at the Parsons School of Design. At fi rst, nothing suggested that

he would abandon a career in marketing and pick up the scissors. In fact, prior to complet-

ing his studies, he was already working in public relations for some of the most important

press offi ces in fashion, including those of Helmut Lang and Chanel.

But then something happened that compelled José Ramón to leave his meteoric career

in fashion communication and move over to the creative side of the industry: fashion

bewitched him. In February 2005, he launched his fi rst collection, characterized from the

outset by a taste for quality, simplicity and the combination of “the street” with the most

sophisticated and chic, which has become his signature style.

 is style, which has resonated deeply among an American public enthusiastic about sim-

ple and functional garments, is situated somewhere between pragmatism and one of the

main reasons why we dress: to please others as well as ourselves. With the clothing of José

Ramón Reyes, achieving this objective is more than assured.

Photography courtesy José Ramón Reyes

314

José Ramón Reyes

Above, sketch from the Spring/

Summer 2008 collection. To the right,

a design from the same collection,

which takes inspiration in the casual

fashion of the 20s, with waists at the

hip and knee-length dresses.

Sketch courtesy of José Ramón Reyes

315

José Ramón Reyes

Photography by Dan & Corina Lecca

316

José Ramón Reyes

- What inspires you?

Art, music and people on the street.

- What is your dream as a designer?

To be independent and to expand the line into diff erent categories, including accessories and menswear.

- What has been the most important achievement of your career?

To have the courage to start a business of my own.

- How important are trends?

Trends are important for those who follow them. I believe in paying close attention to your instincts.

- Fashion has always refl ected a certain era. What does fashion refl ect in the twenty-fi rst century?

I think is too early to tell, but what comes to mind is the diff erent choices people have out there. It’s not only about the

obvious brands, there’s an openness in the marketplace for new, young talent. In that respect, I feel very fortunate to

live in this century and to be doing what I am doing.

- What book would you recommend to every fashion designer?

Sportswear in Vogue since 1910. It’s my second Bible.

José Ramón Reyes

215 West 40th Street, 9th fl oor

New York, NY 10018

United States

www.reyescollection.com

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José Ramón Reyes

Photography by Dan & Corina Lecca