Introducing Rochambeau

Recently featured in February’s Surface Magazine as one of the top ten designers to watch and already in stores like Oak, New York based label Rochambeau’s future looks bright. The team behind Rochambeau consists of Michael Venker, Joshua Cooper, and Laurence Chandler. Meeting at the 2007 Parsons senior thesis show, where Venker had been the recipient of the prestigious Golden Thimble award, the trio realized that they shared a love for the same design aesthetic. Forming Rochambeau, which is Egyptian for the game rock-paper-scissors, each of the trio brings their own strength to the label. With a family background in the print industry, Cooper and Chandler, both 24 bring experience and relationships within the fashion industry. Serving as creative director, Minnesota native Venker, 26 is responsible for the design portion. Venker is a seasoned designer having interned at Marc Jacobs and Helmut Lang as well as working at the Ermenegildo Zegna showroom.

Spring 2009 — The Debut Collection

Rochambeau’s debut collection is inspired by the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Clean lines and silhouettes are livened with unexpected details that allow each piece to be worn in a unique fashion. Effortlessly draped, fabrics like cotton twill, knits, silk wools, and Pima cottons are used to “create structured and malleable looks that seem to fall into place organically.”

Q & A

The Fashionisto: How did your interest in fashion develop?

Michael Venker: My earliest memories of doing fashion design, was revamping my favorite comic book characters costumes and making them more avant guard or more wearable, pending on the character.

TF: What is your personal style?

MV: I dress literally like a teenager. I enjoy being comfortable, and I find that really is my styling ethos in regards for myself. I like to pair high tops, with skinny pants, combined larger, less fitted tops. I like interesting necklaces to go with that, or a graphic hat.

TF: Does your personal style differ from the clothes you design?

MV: I would say that my clothes are more sophisticated and a bit more fashion forward than my personal style, however, I wear every piece I make, so then it transforms into my own style. The great thing about my clothes is that it really conforms to a persons current wardrobe.

TF: What is your go to color?

MV: Black. It’s something that goes with everything.

TF: What do you have planned for next season?

MV: Next season I am planning on using active wear elements in my collection. Men’s fashion has always taken notes and drawn inspiration of athletic wear, especially in the way many men dress themselves today. I want to take that inspiration but make it fashion forward.

TF: Where do you tend to look for inspiration?

MV: Everywhere. There is not one place that I won’t look for inspiration.

TF: It seems that we live in a day and age where it is common for designers to collaborate. Who would you like to collaborate with?

MV: Nicolas Ghesquiere. I have always loved his work and I am in awe of some of his previous creations. John Galliano would also be amazing.

TF: What is your favorite piece from the spring collection?

MV: I really like the black wrap shirt that I made, which can be worn in a variety of ways. Its available at Oak.

TF: Personally, what are your shopping habits?

MV: I don’t shop that often. I tend to buy stuff when it’s on sale, or if I really fall in love with a piece. I’m not an avid shopper.

TF: What should the adventurous man have in his closet?

MV: Something gender bending?

TF: What should the man who plays it safe have?

MV: A well fitted suit. It’s something every man should own.

TF: What is the last collection that caught your eye?

MV: My friends Carly and Michelle from Cushnie et Ochs was the last collection I saw that was pretty spectacular.

TF: What are your short term and long term goals?

MV: Short term goals are to get into as many of dream stores as possible and really try and get the brand out there. Long term goals would be to add a women’s line and get a really good licensing deal.

TF: What do you hope to convey with your lookbook?

MV: When we create a look book we want it to be an experience rather than a clinical look at clothing. That’s why we create a master book and then based off of that we create mini look books for our clients.

TF: If your label was a person, what would they be like?

MV: I think he would be creative with an edge. I feel like he would be interested in the arts and would be expressive.

TF: Do you have any fashion role models?

MV: I like people who take risks and who aren’t afraid to be daring when it comes to their own personal style. Even if it may not aesthetically agree with me, I admire the moxie that comes with that.

TF: Running your label, what is your daily routine like?

MV: Many trips to midtown, which is the Achilles heel to all fashion designers in my opinion.

TF: Solids or prints. What is your opinion?

MV: I think both have there place. I love designing prints but I think there is something interesting with allowing a clean silhouette speak for itself.

Pictures courtesy of Rochambeau