Rick Owens

Paris, France

Since 1994

Born 1962 in Porterville, California, now based in Paris. Studied fine arts at Otis/Parsons in Los Angeles, dropping out after two years because he didn't see it leading to a "real" job. Enrolled in a two-year trade program, learning pattern making. Started own label in 1994, moving production to Italy in 2001. First runway show, New York, sponsored by Vogue in 2001. Awarded CFDA Perry Ellis Emerging Talent award in 2002, then Cooper Hewitt National Design Award in 2007 as well as the Rule Breakers Award from The Fashion Group International. In addition to his own lines, designs for Parisian luxury house Revillon. His aesthetic is shaped by his Californian roots of black and white Hollywood movies and the rawness of a decayed end of Hollywood Boulevard.