Ray Vincente: Still Ray

Posted on Feb 7, 2011 in Pins and Needles by Rashod 18733 Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fsuavv.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fstill-ray-ray-vincente%2FRay+Vincente%3A+Still+Ray2011-02-07+16%3A30%3A45Rashodhttp%3A%2F%2Fsuavv.com%2F%3Fp%3D1873

Fashion Photos Courtesy of Michael Letterlough Jr. Photography, Designer Photo submitted by Ray Brown

When it comes to menswear, there are very few designers that can give men something stylish that is also original. We are plagued with the remix of the same things over and over again. Jeans are always jeans, the cut may change a bit and the wash may change a little more but they are always consistently jeans. When Ray Brown decided to launch his menswear line, Ray Viscente Eclectic, he knew that it was time to bring something different to the table. With his use of different materials, patterns, and finding a way to turn a single piece into a collaboration of options, Ray has made a name for himself in the land on needle and thread.

SUAVV: When did you begin designing clothing?

Ray: Originally back in the 80s when I was designing womenswear.  The menswear line did not come about until about 2008.  I’d always wanted to do a menswear line but was not satisfied with the concepts.  Once I was it was ‘full steam ahead’! Ha!

SUAVV: Why design? Why was design different for you?

Ray: For me it was all about individualistic expression.  I’ve always been a bit ‘odd’! (even my Moms told me that! (laughing), lovingly of course!).  Never quite fit any of the ‘norms’ that surrounded me.  Designing allowed me to open up and express what I saw in my mind.

 

SUAVV: Some parents are very closed when it comes to allowing their kids to express themselves. After figuring out that you were different with your fashion, how would you describe your style?

Ray: That one’s easy.  I am completely Eclectic!  I love combining unrelated styles and concepts into something symbiotic; something that really ‘works’ together that you didn’t know would until I ‘linked’ them.  I also do like a ‘standard’ look.  Even if I am wearing a classic 3 button single breasted suit I always have to add something to it to make it truly me!

SUAVV: That’s on the money. I can tell that you love what you do. What does fashion and style mean to you personally?

Ray: The first word that comes to mind in ‘individualism’.  The second is ‘creativity’. When you combine those two together with the knowledge of what looks good on your physique and matches your personality you get a great union of fashion and style.  This is true for designers too.  I have trouble calling someone a designer whose clothing line is generic with no ‘point of view’.  I don’t always have to like the point of view but for God’s sake at least have one!

SUAVV: (Laughing) individuality is an important part of fashions originality. Lets take it a little extreme, if you could only design one article of clothing for the rest of your career, what would it be?

Ray: NOOOOOOO!  Lol!  Wow, you are definitely handicapping me here! I think it would have to be a blazer.  A well cut, well styled, well-fitting blazer can literally ‘make your look’.  And a blazer or ‘blazer-look’ can be styled in so many ways to accomplish so many different looks that even if you had nothing on but the right blazer you would still look good (just make it long enough to cover the unmentionables in this instance! (laughing)

SUAVV: (Laughing) yeah some drawls may be a good addition to that series LOL. As a designer, what are and have been some of your biggest obstacles?

Ray: MONEY! (laughing), or rather the lack there of at times!  That aside I’d say changing the American idea of what men can wear.  In the US, there is such a limit to what is deemed menswear.  The time we ‘dress’ is in a suit and we tend not to think about looking good the rest of the time.  What about all the other times when you want to look good but don’t want to be in a suit!  In other parts of the world, in particular Europe, you dress to show your individual style regardless of where you are or where you’re going.  Even with a pair of jeans you are going to have some amazing top on and complimenting accessories.  You always want to look ‘pulled’ together without trying so hard.  This is why I believe my clothing sells quicker to customers outside the states but I believe it will come together for the states as well.

Tags: DMLJ Photography, Fashion, Fashion Trends, Lifestyle Magazine, Menswear Designer, New York Fashion, Ray Brown, Ray Vincente, Ray Vincente Eclectic, SUAVV, SUAVV Magazine, Urban Magazine, Urban Mens magazine, Urban Men’s Magazine, Zenith Harvey