Renowned designer Narciso Rodriguez reflects on his journey, adapting to life’s priorities while crafting meaningful designs post-COVID-19.
Narciso Rodriguez, the celebrated fashion designer known for his minimalist aesthetic and significant contributions to American sportswear, has embraced a new phase in his life and career. Since founding his eponymous brand in 1997, Rodriguez has gained prominence in the fashion world while navigating personal and professional challenges.
In the face of COVID-19, Rodriguez made a pivotal decision to close his label temporarily but continued to design for private clients and maintain his fragrance line with Shiseido. This period of reflection led to what he describes as “my personal reinvention,” creating a more focused lifestyle that allows him to prioritize family alongside his creative endeavors. Rodriguez now ends his workday at 2:45 PM to collect his 7-year-old twins from school, which is conveniently located near his studio. This arrangement has allowed his children to engage with his work life, riding scooters around the atelier while he works on fabric swatches and custom designs.
In discussing his shift in priorities, Rodriguez emphasized the importance of creating collections on his own terms, free from the constraints of deadlines and department store influences. “I just don’t want to be trapped in a machine,” he stated. “I want to get back to the things that bring me joy: my craft, the materials.” This new approach affords him the luxury of time, enabling him to perfect his creations, which he considers meaningful.
Rodriguez reflected on his career trajectory, expressing a desire to avoid repeating past patterns of dependence on fashion show schedules and international travel. Although he has received “interesting proposals,” he remains committed to not missing important moments in his children’s lives.
Throughout his career, Rodriguez rose to fame during the transformation of American sportswear and has mentored numerous designers, including Willy Chavarria. Reflecting on his own journey, he acknowledged the mentorship he received from Oscar de la Renta while still a student at Parsons. “He loved that I was this young Latin man trying to get ahead,” Rodriguez recalled.
His long-standing relationship with Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, for whom he famously designed a minimalist wedding gown, exemplifies Rodriguez’s dedication to personal connections in fashion. He noted that Bessette’s style remained effortlessly natural, qualities he believes are essential in the industry. “So often you see people on a red carpet and you wonder, ‘Who convinced them of that? How uncomfortable do they look?’” he remarked, criticizing the current trends that seem to prioritize spectacle over individuality.
Rodriguez has also maintained enduring relationships with a number of prominent women he has dressed over the years, including Julianna Margulies and Claire Danes. His approach contrasts sharply with the prevailing trend of one-off celebrity fittings, as he sees value in accompanying his muses throughout various stages of their lives.
Growing up in a Cuban American family, Rodriguez was profoundly influenced by the strong women around him, particularly his relative, Nana Concha. Describing her as a “real Auntie Mame kind of character,” Rodriguez shared how her sense of style and support for fellow Cuban immigrants left a lasting impact on his understanding of fashion. The experience taught him that “it doesn’t take great wealth to have great style.”
Looking to the future, Rodriguez aims for his designs to resonate across generations. He shared a poignant example of a client who preserved her Narciso treasures for 20 years to pass on to her daughter, an act Rodriguez considers the highest compliment for his work. He expressed satisfaction in knowing that the passion infused in each piece is recognized and appreciated.
Rodriguez’s story signifies a blend of personal rebirth and professional evolution, marking a continued commitment to meaningful design and the timelessness of fashion. This narrative appears in the April 2025 issue of ELLE.
Source: Noah Wire Services
