Chatting With Justin: William Rast and Personal Style

Author: JT Editor
Posted on: Wednesday February 25, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Filed under: exclusive, fashion, william rast, fall 2009, new york fashion week

On February 16, Justin and the William Rast team unveiled their Fall 2009 collection. Here he is talking about showing for the first time in the NY Fashion Week tents and what personal style means to him. On Showing in the NY Fashion Week Tents
"Showing in the tents was almost indescribable in a way, nerve-racking and fulfilling at the same time. Fashion shows produce the most anxiety I’ve had before anything, because it’s completely out of my control. If I’m onstage, I’m running the show. I can always gauge the audience and change it up if they don’t respond the way I thought. Same thing with comedy—on SNL, you find out if people are laughing instantly. In fashion, you are completely behind the curtain and don’t see anything. You get it as ready as you can and put it on 20 models to show your vision. That’s why there is so much planning— auditioning, construction— and the show is 8-12 minutes tops. And that’s it. I just spent 6 months on this. And all of a sudden it’s over and you move on to the next thing. And we have to get next season done. It’s hard to get, but once you get the machine rolling, it’s good. First couple of times it’s been like pulling teeth. That said, it’s very fulfilling in the end. People are talking about it in the right way and applauding your effort and state of mind and the movement you’re trying to make." On Personal Style
"Fashion is not that specific. Everyone is so unique. And, you got to have balls. Period. That goes for life. Fashion is just an extension of who you are. But I think whatever you’re wearing works, as long as it’s not wearing you. It’s good rule of thumb. And not too much thought—same thing as with music. You create your look for that day and if someone doesn’t like it, f*** ‘em." Photo Credit: William Rast