Born to a Dominican father and Liverpudlian Mother, menswear designer Domingo Rodriguez moved to Liverpool from America and Germany at an early age where he would later study at John Moore’s University for his BA studies.
Domingo first cut his fashion teeth interning for designers such as Kim Jones and Carolyn Massey. His First collection in 2008, a collection that would earn him the prestigious menswear award at Graduate Fashion Week and the Harold Tillman Scholarship to study on the MA Design and Technology course at London College of Fashion.
His graduate MA collection for FW10 was scouted by asos.com for two exclusive capsule collection ‘Domingo Rodriguez for ASOS”.
He later won the Wolf & Badger graduate design awards 2010 and his S/S11 collection was scouted by Colin McDowell and presented during Paris Fashion week in June 2010 as one of Esquire Magazines ‘7 Brilliant Brits.’
Using deceptively simple techniques, Domingo has developed signature shapes and pattern cutting to create a contemporary menswear brand. Taking a luxury angle on a everyday wardrobe, with a sense of sophistication through sportswear accessibility.
Fucking Young!: Did your “roots” have an influence on the development of your idiosyncratic take on fashion?
Domingo Rodriguez: Oh, definitely. I’m from Liverpool and growing up, sportswear was our casual wear. It’s a root of all my designs to have a sports sensibility and the juxtaposition is often the most interesting in menswear.
FY!: In 2010, you collaborated with “ASOS”, designing two capsule collections: Could you take us through this experience?
DR: Working with ASOS was an eye-opening experience; it’s where I really learned how to work with a team and manufacture with factories. We really pushed the design and came out with some really innovative products as the reversible leather, magnet fastening and seamless knits. Being able to reach such a large audience at an accessible price was extremely fulfilling, especially having it sold out twice.
FY!: Is contemporary elegance about minimalism?
DR: I think there’s a luxury in minimalism. A lot of my work is deceptively simple, but the painstaking hours spent in pattern cutting, removal and displacement defy this. There’s an ease and comfort in it that, when worn, feels effortless.
FY!: Could you illustrate your approach to colour?
DR: I spent a few seasons playing with colours, but the last collections have been about black. I think it stems back to the above; there’s a simple elegance to black. You can work with the purity of the fabric and cut without distractions.
FY!: What does “luxury” stand for?
DR: For me, it’s all about personal luxury: the softness of silk or cashmere against the skin, the smell of a fine leather. Menswear is all about the small details, even if it’s just the wearer who notices them.
FY!: Let’s talk about your SS16 Menswear Collection: What inspired you to combine delicate and feminine fabrics with a sports aesthetic?
DR: It’s always been a theme of my work since the first pieces I ever made. Playing with the delicate line between masculine and feminine, matt and shine, silk and leather. It’s very relevant today (with fluid gender and sexuality becoming less obvious). I mixed it with sport shapes for an accessible grounded approach.
FY!: Could you explain the tecniques you employed in the construction of your garments?
DR: For me, it’s all about the pattern cutting techniques I can develop into each piece. For SS16, a first was developing a pocket flap grown out, seamless, from the body of the demin jacket and parka. It’s the small simple innovations that are the most interesting to work with.
FY!: Do you think reinterpreting menswear staple pieces represents the key to innovation?
DR: There’s an inherited history in menswear: rules and tradition set way of construction. Playing with established staples creates an accessibility that you can be quite daring with, placating those rules. It’s often the subtlest change which is the most playful.
FY!: If you had to choose a look (from your SS16 Menswear Collection), what would it be and why?
DR: My favourite image is of the denim jacket. I think it illustrates the above perfectly, it’s a typecast staple piece that we invigorated in sheer silk georgette. Progressive and accessible in one.
FY!: Could you give us a hint of your FW16 Menswear Collection?
DR: FW16, for me, is all about toughness and protection: after a few seasons playing in sheer and silk, I’m going all in with butter soft and glazed leathers. Padding, ribbing and detachable shearling collars.
FY!: How would you describe the British fashion industry? What is it like working, as a fashion designer, in the UK?
DR: I’d say it’s the playground for all the new and young designers experimenting and creating. Work, here, is demanding but exhilarating and London always has a new secret to discover.
FY!: The final question: what’s today really FUCKING YOUNG!?
DR: Nothing, we’ve FUCKING seen it all…
